Category Archives: In the Home

Checking off the “To Do” List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Family Friendly Paint- Available at Wallauer Paint and Design

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Items, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Rockland Babies, Rockland Real Estate .

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

When RNYD and I purchased our first home together, like most others, we didn’t know much about home renovation.  Newly “house poor” we didn’t know that there was a difference in paints. What we knew was that we needed clean looks, on a budget. Now 17 years later we certainly do.  Instead of looking at the instant price tag, we look at the quality of the paint, the products and at how well it lasts.

That last part is super IMPORTANT.  Our house gets USED.  What I mean by that is that we LIVE in our house.  Anything we do to it, or put in it, needs to be made to last, to withstand two active, energetic kids, as well as two active, energetic Labs.  Things that show wear and tear quickly have no place in our home.  If this sounds like you and after a year and a half of staring at your walls and you are ready for a change, this is for you.

This is a photo of my actual messy paint cans from my lake house reno this year (LOL).

The ONLY interior paint we purchase any more is Benjamin Moore Regal Select- which is available at Wallauer Paint and Design.  While a bit more expensive than your typical box store brand paints, it is well worth it.  The coverage of this paint is beyond compare.  It is a premium-quality, 100% acrylic paint and primer combined with excellent hide, spatter resistance, and seamless touch-ups. It offers exceptional flow and leveling for a smooth application, and quick dry time.  So what does that mean?  Less work with better results.

Here is a photo of the master bedroom at our lake house, this is a VERY bright color that we had to cover.  We chose to change it to grey.  
This was a fairly bold move. 

As if that wasn’t enough being that it will save you time if you do it yourself, and money if you are paying someone to apply it, there’s more.

  • Stain release technology that is easy to clean with less scrubbing (I can vouge for this, I am always cleaning my walls- two kids two labs).
  • Mildew resistant coating
  • Engineered with Gennex Color Technology (a proprietary system that includes-long lasting vibrant colors, consistent colors, and better coverage a few of the benefits).
    Did I mention it was beadboard?
    Also- this paint is safe enough for my kids to do the painting (YES!).

Here’s the other biggie.  Regal Select is a No VOC product.  This is important to us because we try to be environmentally friendly in everything we do (see our solar panels), but the health of our kids and our pets is number 1.  As stated on the Benjamin Moore website “VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. When it comes to paint, VOCs are often added for better open time and freeze-thaw resistance and are emitted as gasses from liquids that evaporate as paint dries. Certain VOCs are harmful when inhaled and may pose indoor air quality concerns.”

Why am I super concerned about this?  Well, I first became concerned about such things when pregnant, I followed ALL THE RULES- like a soldier.  I learned that the paint in a baby’s room should have No VOC back then.  Once I had them, it became a bigger deal, because my (E) has asthma, even more important.

Where can you learn more?  Wallauer Paint and Design in Nanuet (that’s the Rockland one but if you are reading this from elsewhere, check out their website for the closest one).  Not only do they have this fabulous paint, they offer design services for those like me who have an idea of what they want, but aren’t sure how to accomplish it.

Wallauer’s design staff is committed to quality and service providing our customers with the newest in color schemes and the latest in design products. They give their customers the one on one attention they deserve to use these services, call or go online to make a virtual appointment or in the convenience of your home. The design team listens to their clients ideas and needs to design space that reflects one’s personality creating a functional and comfortable environment.

Wallauer is truly a one stop shop design center providing their customers with all interior design and home décor needs to fit any budget.  Not just color consultations (although that is where I would have to start). They have a new line of custom-made simple drapery and a custom inspired cellular blind program that can match your wall colors.

Once you get started, they’ve also got all the tools you need to complete the job too since they are an ACE Hardware.

Here are some current specials to help you get started.  A Buy one Get one Free Paint sample, and $10 off at ACE to get the job moving.  If you are purchasing a new home, there is a special place on the site to click to register for a free color consultation, a free design session, and a new homeowner package!

Oh yeah, and here’s the finished bedroom :o)

To a Cleaner, Healthier 2020

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Reviews .

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

Do you have anyone in your house with breathing issues due to Asthma and Allergies?  When was the last time you changed out your pillows?

Little (E) was one of those unlucky kiddos that ended up with RSV when she was an infant.  As a result she has asthma, luckily the kind that she’s supposed to grow out of, and it IS getting better.  When she get sick though, she goes from about zero to 100 in an hour.  A little cough can become pneumonia over night.

Over the years we’ve done things to help he with her allergies and asthma, like for instance she has an air purifier near her bed, got a vacuum with a hepa filter, installed a filter in our AC System, and also use non chemical cleaning aids.  She is under a pulmonologist’s care, and we do have instructions for when she starts to get sick.  Don’t ask me why I’ve never attacked her pillows before, because it makes sense.

The Average Household Pillow

(information from Spry therapeutics website)
  • The average pillow has 1 million spores and as many as 16 types of fungus.
  • After 12-18 months, a new hospital pillow is heavier due to human waste buildup inside the pillow.
  • The average pillow is used for about 3,000 hours each year, and with that comes 20 gallons of sweat.

This information has me acting like Leia on Endor “Somehow i’ve always known…”

Sooo, when I heard about Spry Theraputics and their PURE line I was intrigued. Their Nano-barrier keeps out allergens, viruses, and bacteria, while allowing the pillow to breathe.  So, that thing that my kid puts her head on every night wont be continually soaking up all the grossness that comes to bed with her.  Additionally, it won’t be spewing harmful bacteria back into the air as she lays her head on it like her current pillows are.  You don’t have to wash them, except maybe topically with water, which is awesome because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve washed a pillow and prayed that it’s dry on the inside… The pillow is water proof, so sweat doesn’t get absorbed either making it heavy and gross, or allowing bacteria to grow.

BUUUUUUT,  are they comfortable?  Yeeep.  The benefits are so great that I am wondering how all hospitals aren’t making the switch, especially during the current season of cold, flu and the dreaded RSV.  My daughter now refuses to sleep without her “asthma” pillow.  It was actually difficult for me to get the pillow so that I could try it out for a while, since my 6 year old reported that it was comfortable, and that she loves it, but I don’t feel like it was enough.  I wanted to be able to speak for myself, to give you all a better idea.  After all, this isn’t a regular old pillow, its an investment.  Also worth noting that it comes in memory foam or polyfill and we have the fill (which is recommended for little people).

The pillow is light, and even the fill is plenty supportive (for my head).  I don’t find it to feel “facility” like at all.  With the case on it, it really feels just like a regular pillow, but I did really enjoy my sleep.  My pillows are of course old and tattered, so this would ABSOLUTELY be an upgrade for me.

My conclusion.  We’ve had the pillow about a month.  (E) enjoys sleeping on it, and because of that I am going to replace all her pillows with it.  I can think of a handful of people in my life who would really benefit from this.  My mother who seems to always end up with breathing stuff (that’s just how she get sick), a few of my in-laws who also suffer from asthma and allergies, and even myself- and my son who don’t but I’d like us to live cleaner healthier lives.

EDIT:  Over this holiday break BOTH of my kids ended up with respiratory sicknesses.  My daughter recovered rather quickly, my son has been on antibiotics for 4 days, and finally went back to school this morning, only to be sent home for coughing.  I am currently throwing out my old pillows and replacing them with these spryPURE pillows.

For more information on the spryPURE pillow please click this link: https://sprytherapeutics.com/pure/

 

What do you know about Pillows?

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Items, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Self Care, Shopping, Specialty Items .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

We have the honor or welcoming SPRY Therapeutics to our “For the Home” Directory page, where we have services and products for the home that we love and endorse.  Spry has two special types of pillows that have us reeling;  one “Recovery” which is absolutely perfect for RNYD who has had 8 back surgeries (his most recent cervical), and anther “Pure” which is perfect for my asthmatic and allergy afflicted (E). 

Deep down I think we all know how dirty our pillows become, but reading the information available on their website was a real eye opener.

Here is some background info for you to check out, full review to come.

https://sprytherapeutics.com/ 

At Spry, it is our mission to make your everyday life healthier and more comfortable. All Spry products are designed using innovative technologies that are created to give you customized comfort and better solutions to improve your health, whether you’re looking for relief from allergies and asthma, pain relief or a comfortable support pillow.

about Spry Recovery®

Made with our patented Flo-Form® technology, this pillow uniquely contours to your specific shape and curves to help support proper body alignment.

The size of the pillow makes it easy to carry and store, and its versatility makes it the perfect companion for any situation. It comes with a soft, breathable cover that can be easily removed and washed. Add a hot or cold pack to the Spry Recovery to help soothe muscles and dull the sensation of pain.

about Spry Pure®

Waterproof and breathable, Spry Pure’s PneumaPure® filtration offers full protection from viruses and bacteria, allowing only clean air to pass through. Spry Pure is the perfect solution for asthma and allergy sufferers. Plus, the pillow never requires laundering — simply wipe down the water-resistant exterior with a mild solution to sanitize the exterior.

Spry Pure is currently available in memory foam and polyfill. For children specifically, our polyfill pillows are a great option.

3 Great Ways to Unlize that Tax Refund (if you got one)

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Money Momma, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Rockland Real Estate, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  Those listed below are vetted directory members and we speak from experience.

It’s tax time.  If you are anything like us, you’ve got a decent refund coming and ideas for what you’d like to do with it, but MAY be unsure of who you can use  and trust to accomplish those things. Here’s a list of RNYM APPROVED places to use that savings to improve your life <3

Save it–

  • That’s cool we always try to sock away half- saving up for a vacation home on a lake someday.  We also spend $100 a month on gift cards to save up for the holidays, so now is a good time to get a jump on that.  Put some away for the other two options, and then maybe save up for something big like we are :o)

Travel-

  • We recently took our first REAL “family trip” to Disney- and let’s just say we are hooked.  The kids are PERFECT ages and were such an absolute pleasure that I am DYING to take them on our next adventure.  Picking a travel agent is NOT easy, but you need one knowledgeable, trustworthy and interested in the good time you will have.  I’ve used several locals and can honestly say that Scott Walters is your guy.  He saved me more than a few times for Disney. Best part?  You don’t pay extra for his assistance, you pay what you would if you booked it yourself, but you’ve got his help with the details!!

Here’s his info-

Scott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

A full service travel agent specializing in family vacations to amazing destinations. From simple weekend getaways to multi generational once in a lifetime bucket list filling journeys, Go Away Often Travel can get you there. It’s YOUR VACATION, let me do the work!

Update and Upgrade the House-

  • For the 11 years that we have lived in our home we have used at least a portion of our refund to improve or update the house.  We’ve got a great directory members for that.  We have some of this that we have to do too. (It never ends does it?)

Northern Windows is Perfect for windows, siding, doors, insulation and so much more.  Steve is GREAT, candid, easy to talk to and has reasonable pricing.

The last has me <3

PURGE

I don’t know about you but I am DYING to clean out and organize right now… yeah we’ve got someone for that too!!!

Tel: (914) 230-6238

Clutter can be overwhelming and most don’t know where to begin- that’s where I come in!
My goal is to ease that anxiety, declutter your space and organize your home. 100% judgment free!
When you clear the clutter, your clear your mind!
Services:
Organizing, De-cluttering, Packing, and downsizing.
•Closets
•Bedrooms
•Playrooms
•Kitchens
•Mudrooms
•Garages + more!
Free Assessments
Fully Insured

 

 

Helping People with Disabilities Prep for Parenthood

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Rockland Babies, Self Care, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored informational post.  Ashley is a mom with first hand experience, who wanted to get some great information out to our readers. Feel free to send her questions.

Ashley has severe scoliosis. She created DisabledParents.org to provide information and resources to fellow parents raising their children while living with disabilities.

Photo by Pixabay

Bringing Home Baby: Helpful Tips for Disabled Parents

There are plenty of books and online articles touting advice for what to expect when you’re expecting and how to prepare your home for your new arrival. However, what many of these articles lack is what makes your situation unique – your disability. It hasn’t stopped you up to this point, and it certainly won’t prevent you from being a wonderful parent, but it would be nice to receive some helpful advice with you in mind. Parenting with a disability will look different from family to family, but the following tips are helpful nuggets of knowledge for everyone.

Get the House in Order

One of the most important things you can do is make your home more accessible for you and safe for your little one. Zero-step entrances, widened doorways, and slip-proof flooring make it easier to safely navigate your home with your baby in tow if you have mobility issues, not to mention it can decrease the chance of injuries once your child becomes mobile. Set up a one-stop shop area in your home complete with baby and parental essentials so that you aren’t constantly getting up and down – this can serve as a play area too. Baby-proofing is a must too, especially if you aren’t able to respond to a loud crash (or lack of noise) as quickly as you’d like. These infographics (courtesy of the Bump) will make sure all the rooms in your home are safe.

Find the Parenting Tools That Work for You

With a little research and online browsing, you’ll find that there are several baby products made specifically with disabled parents in mind. There are cots with an open side for easy access to your baby from the comfort of your bed, walking wings so you can experience the magic of helping your child learn to walk minus the bending, and even bathtub sets at the perfect height for parents in a wheelchair. Keep in mind that the tools you need are unique to you. For example, Verena Cristofaro-Frydberg, a mother of two with MS, has live-in child care and gets creative with her parenting hacks, such as making the bed with three layers of sheets to make changing easier and keeping the car stocked at all times to avoid the “I forgot it” moment.

Plan for the Future

A new baby is in your future, but adding to your family means planning beyond that as well by putting safety nets in place. First and foremost, it’s time to update the will. This is where you designate who will inherit what, as well as choose a guardian (and an alternate) for your child. Rather than a joint will with your spouse, it is best to create separate wills so that the survivor can make changes without having to jump through any legal hoops. While you are dealing with the not-so-fun stuff, considering purchasing burial insurance. Similar to a life insurance policy, the benefit is used for funeral-related expenses, which can ease the burden and stress on your spouse and family members should you pass away earlier than expected due to medical issues. On the opposite end of the spectrum, don’t forget to add your baby to your life insurance policy. You typically have a window of 30 to 60 days to enroll your child, and coverage will begin on the date of birth. The birth of a child is full of new experiences (and plenty of newborn doctor’s visits), so having that coverage offers peace of mind.

Take Care of Yourself

For parents, self-care can’t be emphasized enough. Not only do you need to stay on top of your health, including doctor’s appointments, medications, and exercises, but you need time to relax too. Make time to read, drink a cup of coffee, or simply ask a friend to watch your little one so you can eat lunch in peace. The bottomline: Don’t be afraid to treat yourself and ask for help. Look for support from your family, friends, and partner. Even something as simple as having someone take over baby duties for one afternoon each week can free you up for self-care. Your support network likely wants to be as close to the baby as you are. There’s a good chance they won’t mind spending some quality time with their littlest family member while you tend to your own needs for a change.

Congratulations on becoming a parent! New experiences await you, and you’re more than ready to handle them. Parenting is challenging, but your disability has prepared you for the challenges you will overcome, making success that much sweeter.

Need some help with home adjustments?  WE have a directory for that (for the home) and Chris Kissik Painting and Construction

Get it Sold with SOHN AND Make a Difference too!

Posted on by Posted in Good Cause, In the Home, Rockland Real Estate, Services, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

Sohn Photo

Most of you know that Sheri is a passionate, dedicated, and professional Real Estate Agent, and the owner of SOHN Real Estate.  What you may not know is that she also likes to give back to charity at least once a year in a big way.  The charity that Sheri donates to is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and this is how it works.

List your home with Sheri in the month of May, and she will donate 20% of her commission to the society.  Why this specific charity?  Sheri lost her sister to the horrid disease and wants to give back in her name, to try to find a cure for others, so that they don’t suffer the same fate.

Prefer to donate to another charity?  That’s great too!!! Just let Sheri know which one and she will donate the 20% to them instead!!! This is a great opportunity to sell your home and also make a great difference for your favorite charity!!!

To speak to Sheri give her a call at: 914-906-2900 and check our her current listings at: http://sohnrealestate.com/

SOHN Real Estate Banner

Housing Rights for Families with Children: Know Your Rights!

Posted on by Posted in In the Home, Money Momma .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  

Westchester Residential Opportunities

Housing Rights for Families with Children: Know Your Rights!

For moms and expectant mothers: The federal Fair Housing Act generally prohibits discrimination in any type of housing-related transaction (like buying or renting an apartment or house, or a landlord providing services or facilities in your housing) on the basis of a protected class, including Familial Status.  Familial Status means:

  • Families with children under the age of 18 in the household
  • Pregnant women
  • Any adult seeking legal custody of a child under 18
  • Both traditional and non-traditional family structures

What sort of conduct is discriminatory?  Well, discrimination can come in many forms.  For example, any of the following may be discriminatory:

  • “No kids” or “adults only” policies
  • Marketing exclusively to families without children
  • Permitting families with children only in certain sections/areas
  • Restricting children in common areas because of “unsafe conditions”
  • Rules prohibiting parents and children, or male and female children, from sharing a bedroom
  • Charging families with children a higher rent or security deposit than tenants without children

Here at Westchester Residential Opportunities, our fair housing group investigates discrimination in housing-related transactions. If you suspect you or someone you know has been the victim of discrimination, or you just want to understand your rights under the fair housing laws, please call us at 914-428-4507, or visit us at www.wroinc.org.

Fair Lending for Families with Children: Know Your Rights!

Posted on by Posted in In the Home, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post. 

Westchester Residential Opportunities

Fair Lending for Families with Children: Know Your Rights!

For moms and expectant mothers: The federal Fair Housing Act generally prohibits discrimination in any type of home lending transaction (like getting a mortgage) on the basis of a protected class, including Familial Status. Familial Status means:

  • Families with children under the age of 18 in the household
  • Pregnant women
  • Any adult seeking legal custody of a child under 18
  • Both traditional and non-traditional family structures

Discrimination can come in many forms. Any of the following may be discriminatory:

  • Denying a loan because the borrower is pregnant or on maternity leave
  • Advising a borrower on maternity leave to wait until she is back at work before buying a home
  • Advising someone considering adoption to hold off on adopting until after they have closed on their home purchase
  • Telling a parent on parental leave that the only income that counts toward qualifying for a loan is the income actually being received while on leave

Here at Westchester Residential Opportunities, our fair lending group investigates discrimination in home mortgage transactions. If you suspect you or someone you know has been the victim of discrimination, or you just want to understand your rights under the fair lending laws, please call us at 914-428-4507 extension 339, or visit us at www.wroinc.org.

Westchester Residential Opportunities

Star Wars Bathroom

Posted on by Posted in In the Home, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure:  This post contains some affiliate links to products that I used to decorate the bathroom.

When we added a bathroom for the kids (yesss!) this past year, we wanted a classic look, but we wanted them to love and own it too.  We asked them what theme they would like to go with, and they agreed on Star Wars.  This was an easy one for me, as we enjoy the movies as a family.  Affiliate links are included so you can find the same items I used.

star-wars-family

The overall bathroom has a very clean look, and for the top color I chose a Benjamin Moore grey.  This played well into the theme, but makes it easy to make just a bathroom when the kids are tired of Star Wars.

star-wars-bathroom-1

There are floating shelves behind the toilet where I am displaying the Star Wars Itty Bitty’s that the kids had.  The Bath rug is the Death Star. On the Window we added a “comic strip” valance over the cordless blinds.

star-wars-bathroom-4

In the shower I added a few of the Star Wars bath toys that the kids had been given as decor (they play with them).  Another little added touch is the Star Wars  body wash.

star-wars-bathroom-3

Over by the sink I added a few more touches.  First there are the BB8 hand towels.  The kids like the old movies because we watch them together, but they really enjoy the new one as well, so I wanted to make sure I got a little of that in there for them.  To go with the hand towels I also ordered tie fighter bath towels which are very soft, and have held up well.  The kids’ toothbrush holder is a storm trooper helmet, and the trash can is R2D2.  I was even able to find some foaming hand soap within the theme.

star-wars-bathroom-2

Some of the amazing finishing touches were gifts.  This “New Hope” canvas was a present from a family friend.  So were the unbelievable light saber towel hooks on the back of the door.  Not shown (because they cover the hooks) are the super cool beach towels my sister in law purchased for us, that the kids use as their bathroom towels.  My favorite is Han Solo in Carbonite.

One thing that is missing that I am looking forward to adding are some wooden plaques of the kids dressed as Star Wars Characters.  Last year they were Jango Fett and Padme Amidala, and this year they were Poe Dameron and Rey.  This can be done relatively inexpensively through Shutterfly.  Once complete, I would like to put them on the shelves to add a little more of “them to the room.  img_1764

Enjoy Star Wars?  Did you see our Star Wars Birthday Party??? What about our Star Wars Themed Birthday Photos??