Category Archives: Out and about…

Pony Party at Sparkle Up Review

Posted on by Posted in Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM Events, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Sparkle Up is a directory member. All opinions express our are own.

– By Intern Catherine

 

Sparkle Up gives hair cuts and styles to both boys girls and even adults, and holds many events. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook page for upcoming events!

 

                                     Having some fun designing their own ponies  

Pony Party at Sparkle Up was the recent special event, girls and boys were able to decorate their own pony. Also get their hair done, nails painted and face paint. At this event we also had a couple boys who enjoyed getting cool hair- sparkle tattoes- pony decorating and having fun! 

Some very pretty and very handsome hair styles!

 

      

 

 

 

 

Painted nails and hair prep

At the end of the session we had a fun photo shoot where the kids got to show off their awesome hair styles and the pony they had decorated. Thanks to all the parents who let me capture the memories! I think these events are so fun because it is a day out and its really cool to see each Child’s personality through there hair style, and the activity that we do at the event. So for example it was really cool to see everyone’s creativity when they decorated their pony. What a fun day!

                                                 

        

Photo Shoot Session

Our Next Fun Events! For details visit our FB Page!!!

   https://www.facebook.com/events/347720799180621/

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/314346872604906/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 https://www.facebook.com/events/998052143726060/

 

Special things I planned before our big Disney Trip

Posted on by Posted in Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Services, Travel, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  All experiences are my own.  This article contains affiliate links.

I’ve loved Disney as long as I can remember.  My mother can attest to that.  Its no secret that our first family trip had to be epic (and i’m pretty sure the kids are hooked too).  There was lots of planning involved and I thought I’d give you a behind the scenes of some of the special things I did in addition to the trip to make it special.  Happy to answer questions if you have any <3

Nails

Little (E) ADORES having her nails done (yes I realize I’ve created a monster).  But for special occasions we indulge her.  Therefore the first thing we did when getting ready to fly out was to go have our nails done (toes too cause #Florida).  We always head over to Rainbow Nails in New City and have them done.  While I am sure that others in the area cater to kids, this one makes her feel like a #princess, and do the cutest designs for her.  I went with the Shellac so that they would be durable for the trip (worked like a charm).

New Fun Pajamas (Kept a secret)

(A) is a HUGE Dinosaur fan, and although there isn’t too much Dino stuff at Disney we went ahead and got him some Jurassic World ones cause he loves them.  (E) of course needed a princess so I got Belle as she didn’t own them yet (no I actually have no idea how).  I packed them right up into their bags so they didn’t see them until we got there.  It was a really sweet realization.  Now that we are home every time they put them on they remember the fun we had there and talk about it.

Photo Mat

You can get the Mat anywhere, I went to AC Moore- its an 11×14 mat with an 8×10 opening.  It fit into my standard book bag, and ended up being one of my all time favorite things.  The cast members used it for fun poses when signing with the kids, and its the absolute best memento on our wall at home.  The kids have planned to do it forever now (when we go to Disney or say Universal) to have a mat signed and frame a family photo of our adventure.  We also ordered this pack of Sharpies so that they could color coordinate each signature.

Pearl Cages

I had heard about this from my travel agent (Scott) and thought that my rock hunting two would love it.  So I ordered cages in advance one for each kiddo and we went when we traveled to Epcot.  We researched the night before in the hotel room how to get the best Pearl when you choose, to be prepared.  The kids ADORE them, and I am so very glad that we did it.  The choosing was fun, and they love wearing them- what a special keepsake.  Choosing a pearl is $18 and I didn’t want to spend too much on the settings so this was a great way to save a little.

Dragon

Mermaid

Park Clothing

I didn’t want matchy matchy- well kind of but RNYD REALLY didn’t.  So we went with “themes” at my sister in laws recommendation (shes keeping count and has now made the BLOG 6 times).  RNYD got t-shirts that were already made, and he would normally wear.  I got a few of those too.  (E) was easy She was a princess (Ariel) at MK, Chewie at HS and wore a twirly dress at AK and Epcot that I made myself.  I actually made sweatshirts and shirts for EPCOT for the whole family- not sure making its for you?  No problem- Marcie at MHC Creations would be the perfect gal for the job.  Her work is impeccable as is her pricing and her turn around time.

MHC Creations

Direct: (914) 645-5028

Email: Info@MHCCreations247.com

(A)’s wardrobe was more difficult.  At 8.5 years old he’s a little old for a prince costume.  So I made him a PPA (Princess Protection Agency shirt -Dad too).  For HS he “disneybounded” (dressing like characters without traditional costumes) as Han Solo thanks to this vest, and at AK he did the same as Owen from Jurassic World– yes I know he isn’t Disney, but the kid loves dinosaurs and maybe we’ll use it when we hit Universal too.

Disney Day 2
Disney Day 2
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Purchased Items

Twirly Dress

Chewbacca Dress

Ariel Dress

Han Vest

Owen Vest

Meals

Go through all of the character meals in advance and see which ones are the BEST for your family.  Your travel agent can help you with that.  What I can tell you is that mine did NOT. I had to figure it all out myself.  In fact, when my son got sick at one of the parks and we needed to cancel a sit down meal and I was freaking out because I didn’t want to lose my credits and hadn’t researched enough to fix it, I reached out to Scott Walters a DIFFERENT agent who came to my rescue.  He cancelled my reservation and booked me an even BETTER one the next morning for our last breakfast.  We got to meet 4 characters we would have missed otherwise, and gained early access to Epcot that day.  It was FABULOUS- and that’s one reason why you will continually see me singing his praises.

Luggage

Got the kids their very own luggage so that they can use it every time we go on an adventure (or when they go to Nana’s).  This set came with “personal” bag as well so they were able to pack their activities for the flight in there, while their  carry on went in the overhead bin.  Its easy for them to maneuver and has held up well. We took it locally to have a little picture and monogram added.  Again, MHC could do this (I had done it before I met Marcie).

Kids Luggage

Most important is that there is SO much to do at Disney its a great idea to book with a knowledgeable agent.  I highly recommend Scott Walters.  He saved my butt a few times.  I freaked out on a few occasions when I felt lost and the agent that I had booked with fell a bit short.  I was disappointed in that.  Your agent should ask you about what you like and dislike far in advance, fight for you to get deals, make suggestions for you based on your family’s needs and be supportive.  When my son caught a cold and we had to cancel a sit down dinner, he booked us a character breakfast for the following morning (our last) in moments so that we didn’t waste the credits and still had the best experience ever.  He will be booking any future family trips for us, that’s for sure.

Scott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

RNYM’s 2019 Outdoor Bucket List

Posted on by Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM's Picks, Things to Do! .

We LOVE to be outdoors, and lately I’ve seen some amazing opportunities to get outside with the kids and enjoy what nature has to offer.  Little (E) loves all things flowers, and (A) loves anything with rocks.  So, here’s our list of things we are DYING to do this Spring-Fall- We’ll post what we think after we’ve been so you can keep track of the fun!!  Tried one out? Tag us or use our hashtag #RNYMSummerBucketList

Afterwards because I am a teacher and everything is a learning experience, we are journaling about our experiences.  The kids will draw pictures and write about their favorite parts and if they want to do it again <3

Sea Glass Hunting at Palisades State Park

http://njpalisades.org/calendar/seaGlassHunt.html

Our Plan:  We are going to pack a picnic lunch, head down and harvest some sea glass, have lunch and come back.  Upon our return we are going to create a project with our finds.  For ideas visit our pinterest page complete with Summer Bucket List ideas!!!

Wildflowers at Brittany Hollow Farm

http://brittanyhollowfarm.blogspot.com

Our Plan: Little (E) is OBSESSED with flower picking right now.  We went down to Jills Ceramics and she made her very own vase (complete with family portrait) on it to keep in her room with her picked flowers.

Tulips at Holland Ridge Farm

https://www.hollandridgefarms.com

Our Plan: Little (E) is OBSESSED with flower picking right now.  This place looks AMAZING!!! I’ve been following them for a year and can’t wait.  Definitely looks like a full day. Great photo opportunity too!!!

Strawberry Picking at Fish Kill Farms

https://www.fishkillfarms.com

Our Plan:  We will pick, then research some great recipes to add to our RNYM’s Favorite Recipes Page.  It’s a great way to get them involved in eating healthy, learning how to cook and also, learning about where their food comes from.

Blueberry Picking at Halfway Acres Farm

https://halfwayacres.com

Our Plan:  We will pick, then research some great recipes to add to our RNYM’s Favorite Recipes Page.  It’s a great way to get them involved in eating healthy, learning how to cook and also, learning about where their food comes from.

Sunflower Picking at SunFlower Valley Farm

https://www.sunflowervalleyfarm.com/

 366 County Route 12, New Hampton, NY 10958

Our Plan: Little (E) is OBSESSED with flower picking right now.  This is the place we went last year and LOVED!! The dogs were welcome too (on leash) which was FABULOUS!  Great photo opportunity too!!!

Peach Picking at Prospect Hill Orchards

http://prospecthillorchards.com

Our Plan:  We will pick, then research some great recipes to add to our RNYM’s Favorite Recipes Page.  It’s a great way to get them involved in eating healthy, learning how to cook and also, learning about where their food comes from.

Apple Picking at Apple Ridge Orchards

https://appleridgeorchards.com

Our Plan:  We will pick, then research some great recipes to add to our RNYM’s Favorite Recipes Page.  It’s a great way to get them involved in eating healthy, learning how to cook and also, learning about where their food comes from.

Horseback Riding at Nickel O Farms

http://www.nickelofarms.com

Our Plan: BOTH kids have been begging to ride.  This is a fabulous local farm where we can go for a lesson. It’s a semi-hidden gem and does not only lessons but camp, scout opportunities, birthday parties AND volunteer hours.

Empire State Balloon Fest

http://empirestateballoonfest.com/announcing-the-2019-empire-state-hot-air-balloon-festival/

 

Our Plan:  This is a cheater one.  I’ve been dying to go and I know the kids will be mesmerized.  I’ve also got a friend who flies and told me this is the one to attend. If you head over find Vicki Ingrassia and tell her we said hi <3

Vicki’s Balloon

Lavender Field

https://www.orchardviewlavenderfarm.com/about-orchard-view-lavender-farm

Information: We love visitors!! We are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We also host groups of 10 or more by appointment. To make an appointment contact Monica at 201-341-8147 or email her at monica@orchardviewlavenderfarm.com.

 

Local Theater Options

Posted on by Posted in Out and about..., RNYM Events, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Theater is a culture and art all over the world. Of course NY is the most famous all over the world known for their stunning Broadway shows. Unfortunately seeing shows in NYC comes with a big price tag. Local theater is a great way to have some fun, support the upcoming actors and actresses as well as supporting the community. What is great about local theater is well its accessibility, also you don’t have to pay a fortune to see a great show. There is tons of varieties of shows, as well as some that are kid friendly. It is a great time for families to spend time together and enjoy the art of theater. Here is a list of local theaters you can take advantage of!

*We’ve gone ahead and bold-faced the ones that we suggest for kiddos.*

WPPAC 

Its a Bird… Its a Plane… Its Superman March 21-24

The Body Guard The Musical 4/26-5/12

Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella 6/27-7/19

The Lion King Jr 8/5-8/16

Disney Aladdin Kids 8/19-8/23

The Disney Songbook- Royalty 8/26-8/29

Tickets and Information: https://wppac.com

Yorktown Stage 

Mamma Mia 4/26-4/28 

Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. 7/27-7/28

Little Shop of Horrors 9/27-9/28 

Disney the Little Mermaid 11/23-12/1

Tickets and information: https://www.yorktownstage.org

Westchester Broadway Theater

Menopause the Musical 2/28-3/24 

Disney Newsies 3/28-5/26 *Special RNYM event 3/31 email Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com for details

On Your Feet 5/30- 8/4

Mambo Italiano 8/8-9/29 

An American in Paris 12/27/19-1/26/20

For tickets and information: https://www.broadwaytheatre.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=mainstage&category=shows

**If you call to order tickets- mention RocklandNYMom.com for a discount!!!

Irvington Town Hall Theater 

Annie 3/9-3/17

Chicago High School Edition 3/22-3/24

The Wizzard of Oz Jr. 4/6-4/7 

Imaginary US Premier 5/3-5/5 

Les Míserables School Edition 6/10-6/11 

Tickets and information: http://www.irvingtontheater.com/theatre

Paper Mill Play House

My Very Own British Invasion 1/31-3/3 2019

Benny and Joon 4/4-5/5 2019

Disneys Beauty and The Beast 5/29-6/30 2019

Tickets and information: https://papermill.org/shows-tickets/subscriptions/

Music Hall 

Westchester Circus Arts 2/18-2/19

Cumbia for Kids 3/9

Lard Dog Kid Koncert 4/6

Family Show Story Pirates 5/19

Family Show The Joshua Show

Tickets and Information: https://tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=tickets&utm_campaign=8-23-2016

Local High School and Middle School Plays

South Orangetown Middle School: The Wiz 3/29-3/31

Nanuet High School: Pippin 3/8-3/9

Pearl River High School: Pippin 4/5-4/6

Nyack High School All Shook Up 3/15-3/16 7:30 PM

3/22-3/23 7:30 PM

3/23 1:30 PM

Pearl River Middle School Mary Poppins Jr 3/7-3/9 7 PM

 

Halloween at Jills Ceramics!

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Crafts, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, Things to Do! .

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

We adore our adventures around town together.  One that we end up doing quite often is visiting Jill of Jill’s Caramics.  We’ve spent so much time there in fact that my kids hug and kiss her every time we go.  That’s Jill.  She adores kids.  She’s been celebrating birthdays and crafting with kids in Rockland County for over 30 years.

We celebrate almost every holiday there, and have been creating the handprint art I so love together since (A) was 1.  When we had two days off in the beginning of September and an event coming up for Halloween we thought it was the perfect time to pay Jill a visit. The kids were allowed to each paint one thing they chose, but then I had another little project in mind… no surprise there it was made with their handprints.

I love walking around and looking at all the items that Jill has to paint.  The possibilities are endless.  Although I knew what I wanted the handprints to be I wasn’t sure what piece I wanted to put it onto until I walked around a bit and looked around.  Then in the back I saw the perfect plates.


I brought them over to Jill and told her my idea.  She LOVED it.  She’s always willing to give a crazy idea of mine a try.  The kids got to paint the backgrounds.  I really like that we didn’t really section off the colors for them, so each is a little off, just the way the kids wanted it.


That’s when Jill got to work.  She painted their hands and helped each child place it on the plate.



Once that was complete Jill started adding the embellishments to each hand to turn them into their intended characters.

Finally we had Halloween plates with the handprints of my little monsters <3


Since we opted for the Glaze this time, we had to leave them and come back a week later; after they were baked in the kiln.  When I went to pick them up I was so excited.  They are absolutely perfect.  They fit right in my plate holder, and as always, they are beautiful.


I’m so looking forward to our next family projects.  The kids then painted a puppy and a battleship, and their Aunt Shannon made an adorable little pumpkin tea light holder.  Experiences like these are the reason why I am so excited to share with our readers, and to help organize events for everyone.

In fact, we have a family event on 10/20 with two sessions 10-12 and 1-3.  We prefer that you RSVP to these events so that we have enough space for everyone, and you don’t need to show up at the beginning of your session, people come and go throughout. You can paint anything you’d like, but we call it a Halloween event because Jill has lots of super fun themed pieces for the Holiday.  Price varies by size of piece, and fluctuates slightly if you choose to Glaze rather than craft paint.To RSVP and/or order a pumpkin please either post in the Facebook event or email Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com .

https://www.facebook.com/events/234432913901908/

We also have a parents night out event scheduled for 10/24 from 7-9 where adults can come and paint any piece they would like.  Jill does make these super cool custom large pumpkins with light sets that we love though, so we are doing a special order for them.  They are $50 and must be ordered in advance so that she can make them (takes a week to make each one for us) in time for the event.  Due to the customized nature of the project its necessary that you pay us in advance for these pieces.  10 characters or less work best.  To RSVP and/or order a pumpkin please either post in the Facebook event or email Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com .

https://www.facebook.com/events/268248380466180/

*As always, if you choose to go see Jill, we appreciate letting her know you heard it here. :o) *

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend around town… 9/14-9/20

This weekend AND Schools Out- 9/10-9/11 Things to do with the kids!

Posted on by Posted in Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

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

Saturday 9/8/18

FREE MEET and GREET* with Manda’s Enchanted Events at Sparkle Up in New City 12-2 pm

*hair, nails etc with Sparkle Up staff not included.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH

DANCE CENTRAL PERFORMING ARTS

GRAND RE-OPENING IN NEW LOCATION

25 SOUTH WILLIAM STREET

PEARL RIVER, NY 10965

FREE CLASSES

PRE-KINDERDANCE AGES 3&4   10AM

ACRO/TUMBLING AGES 5-7   10AM

BALLET  AGES 8-12  10AM

KINDERDANCE AGES 5-7 10:30AM

ACRO/TUMBLING  AGES 2.5 -4  10:30AM

JAZZ AGES 8-12  10:30AM

HIP HOP AGES 4-6 11AM

HIP HOP AGES 7-10  11AM

HIP HOP AGES 11-15  11:30AM

ACRO/TUMBLING AGES 8-12  11:30AM

RIBBON CUTTING & PLAQUE UNVEILING 12PM

COMPANY PERFORMANCE 12:30PM

FACE PAINTING & BALLOON ART 12:30-2:30PM

ICE CREAM TRUCK – 1:30PM  
_____________________________________________________________________________________

In just a few weeks, School’s In. . . and then School’s Out Again for two days in early September.
Give your K-5th grader a Break from the Ordinary this September when they join us @ our School Break camps on Sept. 10 & 19. They’ll discover awesome, hands-on STEM-based projects… with plenty of creative camp activities, outdoor fun & extended hours, too!  
Discover More & Register:
www.littleivyacademy.com/breakcamp.html
As always, please contact me with any questions you might have at 201-444-8400 or by e-mail at info@littleivyacademy.com.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OPEN 9/10-9/11 for PLAYDATES

Back to School Shopping at Macy’s Backstage!

Posted on by Posted in Items, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

Like many other locals I was wondering what the new Macy’s Backstage was.  We’ve all shopped Macy’s for years as its been an anchor store in the Nanuet mall FOREVER, and also at the Palisades mall since it was built.  The great options, service, and availability of products at Macy’s is well known, but what is this new store within a store?

“The thrill of the hunt takes center stage as you discover your favorite fashion & home brands at show-stopping prices!”

Its the same great Macy’s that we all know in love, but with higher discounts on the same famous maker brands you’ve become accustomed to from Macy’s, as well as some new ones.  Knowing that it was a discount retail space, we were excited to hunt for some awesome finds.

The shoe section is right near the entrance so naturally little miss (E) had to hit that spot.  They had a nice selection in her size, so she tried a few, settling on two pairs.

The kids section at the Palisades Macys Backstage is over by a little toy section as well, that’s where we found (E)’s favorite item.  Little (E) needed earphones for school and they had these adorable little my little pony ones that she snatched right up.


Then we went through the racks to see what they had for back to school clothing.  This can always be an interesting afternoon with (E) who has her own sense of style.  At 8 (A) is also developing more of his own style, it was nice to watch him choose some staple pieces.

We found some cute stuff and headed into the dressing rooms.  The kids had fun trying on their items, and then they saw the signs on the wall.  They loved them!  We had to run from room to room to see what they said!!


At checkout we were given a scratch off coupon and saved $5!  We got 2 pairs of shoes, headphones, and 5 shirts for less than $90!!! What a bargain!!

Macy’s Backstage also has backpacks, home items, adult clothing, accessories, all the great items that the regular Macy’s carries, but at super low prices.  We are also lucky enough to have two locally to check out (Nanuet and Palisades- we went to Palisades).

GIVEAWAY

** As a special introduction to our readers Macy’s Backstage Palisades is giving away a $100 gift card to one lucky winner.  To enter- comment on this page or our social media post before Saturday 9/1 at 8 pm and tell us what you would use the card on (we’d also love a share and a like). Winner will be chosen at random via 3rd party website. **

 

 

Moms Gone Wild- An Unlikely Girls Day Out

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, Items, Out and about..., Reviews, Self Care, Services, Shopping .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  We had a noteworthy experience, and sometimes that means you just have to share.

**WARNING- NO NUDITY- BUT WE TALK ABOUT BREASTS AND BRAS HERE**

We went shopping… but not just any shopping. We went BRA shopping.  Yep that’s right, C, K and I went shopping FOR THE GIRLS.  Three of us friends were bitching about ill fitting undergarments and finally decided to do something about it.  Determining that there was safety in numbers we made a date and went.

Not only did we go, we went for the gusto.  SO three frugal (large chested) mommies who hate spending money on themselves, went to Nordstrom at the Garden State Mall to tackle over the shoulder boulder holders.  Yes this is worth mentioning because we usually shop at wherever has a sale on bras just like everyone else.

So a crazy unlikely girls day out ended up being one of my favorite mom dates ever.

We found the lingerie section (in the basement) and were at once greeted (perhaps we looked lost?).  The three of us aren’t skiddish- so we took a dressing room together.  Kathy went right to work asking who wanted to go first.  She measured all three of us and left.  Upon her return she had several different bras for each of us to try on.

Here’s what I love- she made note of some super interesting info about each of us that I am not sure everyone would pick up on right away- my love of earthtones, Chelsea’s love of the dramatic, and Katy’s sensibility- and brought bras that appealed to each.  There were of course bras that were sensible- but I gotta be honest, I haven’t bought a PRETTY bra in quite some time, and even my “sensible” purchase was pretty.

Some of them weren’t right, it was trying on and required some work.  But those that did.  Dude- I am a 34 DD and I don’t feel like I am wearing a BRA.  Also, the girls don’t look pointy, aren’t hanging out, nor do they cut into my shoulders or sides.

Yeah yeah yeah lets get down to the nitty gritty for those of you who don’t really wanna hear the romantic parts.  Like how I took dressing room selfies to compare how they looked in my shirt :o)

Facts:

  • Despite my greatest fears the bras were not that much more than ones I’ve purchased at Kohls.  I was certain they would be $200 a piece and they were not- more like $60-70 for mine the most expensive I considered being $84.
  • No tax it’s Jersey so “whew”.
  • The larger band sizes (40 and above) have less options, and although the overall fit is much better, they do still feel like a bra is on.
  • Didn’t love their panty selection- so even though I really wanted new ones to coordinate and go for the whole shebang, I am heading elsewhere to find some.
  • Splurged on a lingerie bag to wash them in so that I can keep them in good shape.
  • I learned valuable fitting and care information (shared below).  Guys- I’m 38 and I didn’t know any of this stuff.
    • You should have a minimum of 4 bras that you alternate, not including your strapless or special occasion one.
    • Bras should be replaced every year (whoops).
    • When you are purchasing you should be on the last hook as over time they will stretch and you will have to move it in.
    • They need a day to rest in between wears.
    • They should be washed every 2 wears on a normal day, more often in Summer and more like 3 in the Winter if you aren’t sweating.
    • Bras should be laundered in a lingerie bag, clipped together, on the gentle cycle and hung dry (yeah I’ve never done ANY of that).

We wore new bras out of the store (yep chucked the one I wore in right then and there) then finished our outing with a nice lunch at the mall.  Being super proud of ourselves we even shared photos of our new organization, and disposing of our old ones.

I can’t speak for everyone- but overall everyone is happy.  It was a nice afternoon with ADULTS, and we did something for OURSELVES.  I feel comfortable and pretty.  I constantly try to remind myself to do something for me every now and again and this fit the bill.  We DID promise to go again in a years time to be measured and purchase new as we should- focusing on the fun and scheduling more girls time.

I don’t care where you go- but go and get fitted.  Spend some time on you.  If you are anything like me you have extreme guilt when doing so.  RNYD constantly tells me to go ahead, to get what I need, to do something for myself.  I hold myself back from doing so most often.  This felt good.

**Dads if you’re reading this, you can help them by purchasing a gift card and taking the kids for an afternoon.  Heck, call her friends and arrange it.  Once RNYD scheduled a date for me and my BFF to go to a show and it was awesome, anther time he surprised me with a GC to my favorite salon.  I never would have done it for myself.**

Moms with larger band sizes- where would you suggest a momma who need a 40+ go for a GREAT fitting and nice look?  Also- Favorite place to get some cute (but functional) undies to coordinate with my new bras??? Love to hear your thoughts.

A Family Affaire at ANY Age

Posted on by Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to the Renaissance Faire.  All opinions expressed are our own.

By: Sofija

When I found out about our family spending the day at the Renaissance Fair with our close family friends the RocklandNYMom bunch, I was super excited.  The morning of, I wake up the twins (who are about to start high school in the fall) to the rumbles of “do we really have to go?” As well as the ever popular “that’s for babies mom”.  I was super sad, and started to think maybe this wasn’t for us, maybe we shouldn’t go.   But my husband said no, we are going, and let me tell you we are so happy we did.

Today’s teen is all about their cell phones, texting their friends and social media.  So when we first get to the fair, the first thing the twins do is get on their phones.  Well this was the last time they were out until we got in the car to go home.  Our first introduction to all the fun was the arrival of the Queen, followed by our very first Jousting Match where the Green Knight won over our pick the Blue Knight.

We walked thru the streets and enjoyed all the talented vendors.  The girls spotted some horns and after picking our favorite colors of Pink and Purple secured them upon their heads.  Continuing on the path and seeing all the  swords, and coin making, flowered and feathered crowns, ceramic dolls, furry little creatures and so much more.   We were excited to stumble upon some beautiful parasols, it was hot so we decided to try them out (ending with the purchase of 2) and then stopping at Cucina Aurora Inc. and trying all the different olive oils infused with delicious flavors.  This momma had to buy 2 oils for cooking and I can not wait to try some of Cucina Aurora’s recipes (she has a youtube channel as well as instagram).

After some shopping was done, we played some games, as well as tried our hand in archery.  We continued to walk around and listened to stories that were read by the Queens Court.  We ran into some of Robin Hood’s Merry Men and were asked about our jeweled teeth (braces).  We were reminded that a smile is a gift that keeps giving and that we should never stop smiling.  The girls even had to make pinky promises not to forget.   The laughter and smiles that occurred were contagious.

Honestly this was an adventure like no other, and we were so happy we got to share in the magic with RocklandNYMom.com.  This is a place that is fun for all ages, and dressing up is encouraged.