Photo Obsessed – Page 2 – Rockland NY Mom

A Photo-Obsessed Moms Guide to Disney

Posted on March 6, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Services, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. We just went, and I thought this information might be useful. All opinions expressed are my own.

Although I won’t pretend I know EVERYTHING about Disney World Photos I recently took my children on our first ever trip and learned a lot. I had researched quite a bit, picked the brain of a great travel agent and compiled a pretty good list for you all. As all my readers know I am PHOTO OBSESSED. I don’t really even know why, I love to fill my house with memories. Love to look back on things we have done as a family the way my kids have grown, all of it. Well of course, its no different when we head to an amazing trip like Disney, but here’s what I learned.

Buy the Memory Maker. Yep its that simple actually. You can see a photographer ANYWHERE, they scan your band and your photos end up on your MyDisney app and account on your PC. This means MOMS (or primary photo takers) you can ACTUALLY be in the photos!!! We got some absolute gems. and while asking someone to take your photo early on seems a little odd, I promise that by the time your trip is over you will spot those cast members from a mile away and your kids will be scanning their bands for the photos. They have lots of experience capturing these special moments, they will do it better thank you will with a selfie or not being in the photo. Also you get those hysterical ride photos where you are trying to hold your 5 year old in a rollercoaster (just me?). You also aren’t stuck taking photos the whole time and can enjoy, like when (E) got to be Beast and (A) Maurice in Storytime with Belle, or Jedi training.

There are some special memory maker magic to keep in mind- if you are dressed the part, characters and photographers alike want to play with you more. Its not really on purpose it just helps everyone get into the spirit. In fact, Rey and Chewie who do not say hi to ANYONE, came over and acknowledged (A) and (E) since they were dressed as Han and Chewbacca.

Behind the castle there are photographers who will do special princess/prince photo shoots and even have “props” you can use. You will NEVER get every photo so just relax and take advantage of what you stumble upon. I won’t lie, we don’t have a great castle photo (I don’t even know how that happened) and we didn’t get to take the famous lantern pics, but despite that, we are ok :o)

There is also another photo shoot area at Disney Springs that is included in your memory maker- we didn’t know in advance so we didn’t take advantage, but its a great way to start your trip if you head there first <3

No need for your large camera, but bring SOMETHING. Dining meet and greets may have photographers at the “big” character out front, but they will not take your photo with EACH character, so you need something (I suggest compact- my IPHONE XR was perfect).

Silhouettes. I have loved silhouettes forever. They are classic. I made some of my kids when they were super young, and its something that Disney does REALLY WELL, affordably. There are several locations, but we went to Disney Springs and did it our first night because I knew going into it that I wanted to do them. It costs $10 per silhouette and comes with 2 copies. Takes less than 5 minutes per child (so no sitting forever) and the ladies are LOVELY. The frames which I splurged on are another $10 each. I got 4 frames and the silhouettes and felt like I had won the lottery. Can’t get there and dying to have some? You can mail order them with the information below. You can do both kids or a family etc. in one, but I liked them separate.

Creepy Photos. Stumbled across these when I was “Pinning” Disney Vacation stuff and am SO IN LOVE. I am aware however that these may not be for everyone. Next to the Haunted Mansion there is a souvenir shop called Momento Mori. If you walk in all the way to the back you can ask for the creepy photos, or the ghost photos, they know what you mean. You MUST do these alone, they don’t do family or group shots despite everyone asking. These cost $20 per person, you sit for a moment and have another lovely conversation and about 5-10 minutes later you have a creepy photo of your child/spouse whoever. We did just the kids and they are going to be my new Halloween Décor for above the fireplace. They are 8×10 and so cool. As you walk from side to side they change from normal photos to ghost photos. In this case I didn’t love the picture frames that were available so I ordered two from AMAZON when I got home. I LOVE them and was really sad to put them away in the Halloween box but I can’t wait to bring them out every year and look at them.

Affiliate link to Frames HERE

Photo Mat Autograph Collector. I knew we wanted to have something autographed, but I couldn’t get over the idea that a book would go on a shelf and not get revisited. I wanted to make it something that the kids, RNYD and I would be able to see and enjoy all the time. I decided to buy a generic photo mat to have them sign. I also purchased a package of every color sharpies for them to use. The kids loved this part because they got to pick and choose the color for each character, they really enjoyed this. The characters also used it for some fun interaction everywhere we went. That made a simple meet and greet a little more special. I kept the markers in a plastic zip lock bag in the front pouch of my backpack, and the 11×14 mat in the back. I won’t pretend that it stayed in perfect condition it has some bends and bruises but it looks fine. Upon arrival home we put our FAVORITE memory maker photo of the four of us in it and put it up. I figure if/when we return we can do it again with whatever characters they want to see then. I think this would even work at Universal where I know my kids are looking forward to meeting a few heroes and characters (especially Scooby Doo!).

Are there more opportunities? I am sure, I couldn’t do them all that’s as honest as it gets. Also, it was our first trip, those who go more often would be able to tell you even more, but here’s what I learned.

All in all this trip was magic. We created many memories that we can carry forever, and collected many souvenirs that we can use to recall them. Several of which are photo related ;o) WAHOO!!

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

MY Be You Photo Shoot Experience

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Catherine Sheridan Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This post is unsponsored and this article is written through my own POV as well as opinions. This is a very personal post for me to write, but I am happy to share my story about coming out of my shell.

By: Catherine Sheridan, RNYM Intern

I have never been a person who likes to be the center of attention, I am kind of shy, and not too out going. As every kid does as they grow up they face insecurities, and I too have many insecurities. I have grown out of most of them but some are still relevant. Jennifer Tesker who is a directory member here on the site has a photo shoot called “Be You”. I first saw it on Facebook and was like wow this is so cool. Then (A) and (E) did the shoot as I was blown away, and it got me thinking, what if I could do this. So I reached out to Jennifer and asked her if adults were able to do the shoot as well, she said yes and sent me samples of photos she’s done with adults. I looked them over and discussed with my mom if I should do this. We both agreed and I booked my appointment. Honestly I was so nervous but really excited at the same time. I brought my friend with me for support, and then it was finally the time to start shooting.

I honestly did not know how to feel or act or what to do. But Jennifer was so nice and walked me through the whole thing. I really ended up having so much fun. For a minute of my life I had no insecurities, no worries, I was able to have fun and be my self. She showed me some of the photos she captured and I was blown away, honestly could not believe it was me. The whole experience really changed me and how I think of myself. I owe it to Jennifer Tesker Photography for helping me see me how others see me and letting me be me without being scared. These photos are honest- which is a nice change to some of what you see out there. It’s nice to know that someone thinks you are pretty, just being yourself. Its fun to watch the kids do their silly things, but it was really nice as an adult to feel that way too. Not forced to be something I am not. No fancy clothing or makeup, just me and the camera.

Flyer For this years booking-Mention Little Tor Elementary and give back to a local school too!

Family Photos

Posted on September 24, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, Uncategorized .

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

I’ve long preached the importance of taking photos with your family. You don’t HAVE to take professional photos, you can use your timer and take your own (I do that too). I like to have professional pics done because I don’t take photos as well as they do, I don’t know how to edit, and lets face it, it’s also less stressful for me. I don’t have to worry that I got the perfect shot, or that I can’t get everyone to smile at the same time (especially if I am trying to get into the photo), and then there’s the problem of cutting back the number of photos. Photographers are hard on their work and aren’t emotionally attached to your child’s face. They choose the best photos of the set (even outtakes) and present only those to you, making your life easier. I have enough trouble bringing together outfits for the family that “coordinate” and don’t “match”. This stresses me out in a way only a few understand.

Recently I’ve come to realize another layer of these photos which I want to bring light to. When you have those professional photos taken, or take your own. Please find a way to include your pets. I’ve taken snapshots of our family pups here and there for years but it wasn’t until 3 years ago that we thought to bring our pup to our family holiday photo shoot. The photos were amazing and it quickly became our tradition.

(Photo Credit: Kennedy Grey Photography)

Boy am I glad it did. This past summer we suffered immense loss when our 12 year old chocolate lab left us, followed almost a month to the day by our 15.5 year old mini-dachshund. Although we knew it was coming, it was still one of the hardest thing we have ever had to go through as a family. The kids now old enough to understand were also heart broken. Its those photos that we look at fondly and remember them while we talk about the silly things that they did.

(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)
(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)

Which brings me to my point. Take photos WITH your pet. Not just of your pet. I know that when people DO take professional photos, they are reluctant to bring them, because the photos may not come out “perfect”. It’s just another variable. Here’s something to help ease your mind. OUR (RNYM) photographers are all great at capturing your furry loves- so here’s our directory PHOTOGRAPHERS DIRECTORY. In fact, they also love to be challenged, have a less traditional pet? They have experience there too, give it a try.

I believe in this so deeply right now that after a month of a pup-less home we decided to foster (quickly followed by adoption) two black lab sisters. A side note for those who may be interested, we worked with Animal Rescue R Us, out of Northern Jersey. When we first got them they were 9 weeks old. With our kids the ages that they are right now (5 and 8) these are likely the pups they will remember. They get to grow up together. I vowed to take photos of them as just pups and with us, the kids, the family, and to continue to as they grow.

We weren’t ready to share the news with everyone yet, just sent some pics to a few, one of whom was IC You Photography‘s Isabella. She is an AVID animal lover and DEMANDED that we bring them in for a shoot, before they were too big. To commemorate the first milestone, oh and bring the kids too. So not knowing I went.

I watched in amazement as she was able to get 10 week old pups to sit, sleep, stay, and so much more. I cried as I knew we were making memories of the pets my family will cherish for the next 10-20 years. I reveled in the happiness that Isabella showed on her face as she worked with both kids and dogs, snuggling all of them. Listened to her ideas and chuckled thinking it was the cutest thing I had ever seen.

Meet Sasha

Meet Camy

We spoke throughout about how it was very good for the puppies to be handled, and socialized not only to Isabella, but her pups in the other room. Gambet even came in to say hi :o). We discussed that No she could not have one of our dogs, and the rescue that we worked with to adopt them. She snapped away and I didn’t even catch everything that she was doing.

Isabella even took the time to take a pic or two of my monkeys alone. Love this one especially cause Little Miss just learned how to snap, and won’t stop. Check out her fingers <3

I’m so very glad that we did it, and look forward to bringing them to many shoots to come. It also spurred the new promotion that Isabella is doing where she will offer discounted “Pet Portraits” for those rescuing pups.

It’s important, in my opinion, when you choose a photographer that you try to bring your “whole” family along. I know that ALL of our directory members are happy to work with family pets. If you are looking for a way to incorporate them but aren’t looking for a full photo shoot- the Palisades Mall does have pet days with Santa which we did take advantage of a few times and loved. I am so super thankful for these photos being in my life. I look forward to documenting their milestones to come together.

Fall Wall Clock Update

Posted on September 24, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Items, Photo Obsessed, Reviews, Specialty Items, Uncategorized .

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

If you’ve been following RNYM for a while you know all about my wall clock. I am always looking for fun and interesting ways to display my photos (of which my husband says I have 2 million annually). That’s how the clock came about. It wasn’t long before that was simply not enough and I needed to change it seasonally. I began by painting red frames for Christmas time, then was unsure about what color to do for spring and put it out there for you all to choose. You went with purple.

This past fall I decided that just doing another color was too tame.

Instead I went looking for a fall shaped frame. Easier said than done. I ended up on ETSY after extensive searching and found a few people who made pumpkin frames. I messaged each one and finally found someone who could do what I was looking for. https://www.etsy.com/listing/557182219/pumpkin-halloween-picture-frame-4-inch-x

The frames were complete in no time and I was able to easily use the inserts on the back to cut my 5×7 photos to fit.

Here is my finished product.

The frames are custom to my liking, and can be for yours too. One of the most attractive parts is they were also cheaper than going to the local craft store and purchasing a regular frame.

*RNYM was not compensated for writing this post we just wanted to share our idea. Regardless, if you should choose to use our link please make sure to mention that you read about them here.*

Took my own Advice

Posted on June 27, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

BEFORE VIEWING- AFTER SESSION

Jennifer is a fabulous photographer. We all know that. She has photographed my children numerous times over the years and they are all darling. Most recently she did a “Be You” session with my kids and it was just so much more than I could have ever imagined. Quickly approaching was (A)’s First Holy Communion, and we knew that we would want professional photos done. At 8, (A) is now formulating his own opinions about things so we let him choose who would photograph him. He picked Jennifer.

It seems that everything that could get in the way of these photos did. The weather has been less than cooperative as of late, so even though he made his communion on 5/12 he had his photos done 5/24. Jennifer wanted to wait for good weather (us too because we wanted outdoors) so we did. I AM SO GLAD WE DID. I was feeling less than myself at work, so in between meetings I ran down to CITIMD to find that I have Strep. I did NOT want to miss our photos. So I went home after work and took my first antibiotic, a quick nap, and got up to get (A) ready. I didn’t want to miss the amazing weather.

Jennifer picked the perfect spot. We met just before sunset and the session started. I’m blown away and I haven’t even seen them yet. She quickly showed me a few screen shots on the camera as I stood there, and then one was on her Instagram timeline later that night. To say I am waiting patiently would be a lie. I am DYING.

My first teaser from Jennifer-

They looked so amazing and I know that they are going to be even more than I expected. I am already planning on arming myself with some tissues for the viewing.

Something I have to prepare for- I took my own advice. (A) had a specific idea in mind for a photo or two that he asked for on the little dock. He went but was nervous at the end of it and wanted me to go with him “to make sure it was safe”. I want to re-explain- I have STREP, I was dressed like a bum, my hair in a ponytail. I went with him to check it out and we had a moment. Next thing I know, Jennifer is snapping away. I tried to ask her to stop (nicely and please know that she wasn’t pushy at all, if you know her you know that she isn’t like that). But she told me it was fine, that I was going to want it. So you know what? I let her, I took the photo, sick as a dog, in a tie dye t-shirt, running shorts and crocs.

FAST FORWARD TO VIEWING

HOLY CRAP! Jennifer showed me the video and I balled. My little man looked so handsome, so grown up. I’ve cried at the beauty of photos before, but these, were perfection. Exactly what we were looking for. Less formal than many, so much of his personality came through. A great variety to choose from.

Formal: The photos that commemorate the milestone that his communion represents.

Informal: Those that show more of who he is, silly faces, showing off his belt and tie that he picked out himself.

His Ideas: When we got there he told Jennifer that he had some special ideas of his own for photos. Even posed himself.

Which leads me to the final photos- which are hard to share, cause I wasn’t ready. Not camera ready, not in the least. I was completely out of my comfort zone, completely sick, but my little man asked me to. Able to allow it because I trust Jennifer to make sure she gets whats really important, our relationship, which actually has nothing to do with how I look. Maybe like me you can look past my crocs (OMG was I really wearing those?), and my mom bun, or the tie dye shirt my brother bought me with my maiden name on it. Instead see what I now see. A mom and her little man, a moment caught in time, and at peace together. A testament to what we do as parents for our kids, sick, messy or otherwise.

The truth is, he won’t remember made up Momma, cause that’s not what I look like all the time. This, is more like the real laundry doing, computer typing, dinner making, child loving mommy. These made me cringe when I first saw them, but now they make me so proud. The more I look at them, the more I love them. Thank you Jennifer, you were so so right.

These photos are one reason that we stand behind the photographers on our site. I’ve worked with them all, and trust them. They have been working with us for YEARS. We don’t recommend anyone that we haven’t worked with <3

To see Jennifer’s latest offerings check our her website http://www.jenniferteskerphotography.com/ and don’t forget to tell her we sent you.

Holiday Minisessions!!

Posted on October 13, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

Holiday Minisessions…. one of my absolute favorite times of the year. We have SUCH TALENTED DIRECTORY MEMBERS. Their work all different, all beautiful. Not only do we offer a great variety of styles and price points, we also have the perfect compliment- the perfect place to have your hair and makeup done the day of. One less thing to worry about and you will absolutely look your best <3

I am speaking of Sparkle Up in New City. Deborah is just the person you would want making your look photo ready- highlighting your beauty, making you feel as beautiful as you are- which shows through in your photos. She did my hair and little (E)’s for my brothers rehearsal dinner and I was so very impressed. It took her no time, and I felt stunning, I received SO many compliments.

Holiday sessions fill QUICKLY and the earlier you get in the better- especially if you like to send Holiday cards out early (like I do). Here is what our members have going on.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Holiday Sessions 2017

Choice of In-Home Holiday Decorating or Lifestyle Session OR Session in one of three Parks around Rockland County. Limited sessions booking- Book early.

http://marcofarsettaphotography.weebly.com/

845-521-0196

mfarsettaphotos@gmail.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________

jenniferteskerphotography@gmail.com

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

www.ICyouPhotography.com
Icyouphotography@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/icyouphotographers

Isabella (845) 536-3615

Back to School Checklist 2017

Posted on September 1, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, RNYM's Picks, Specialty Items .

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

Back to school is NUTS!!! There are nerves, lists and so much more going on. Here are some easy and cute ideas for making it easier and more enjoyable on you.

Clothing- Some of our Favorite stores are having HUGE sales.

One is Janie and Jack- They are PERFECT for special occasion clothing (like first day or fall/holiday photos) They are having a special sale through 9/4 CLICK HERE

Gymboree- up to 80% off and free shipping until 9/5 CLICK HERE

www.kennedygreydesigns.com Use code RockMom15 to save!

Haircuts and Makeup (teens, tweens, and grown-ups) BY APPOINTMENT

Sparkle Up – New City- 845-634-0140

Boys or girls it doesn’t matter. Call Deborah to make an appointment to freshen up your look for back to school. Kids and grown-ups alike can get a great haircut for that first day. Make it an outing, boys get a cut and can add color (and/or sparkle) and a tattoo. Girls get a cut, color/sparkle and a tattoo or nails painted.

Have a teen or tween at home who is new to the world of makeup? You can schedule a make-up lesson where Deborah will teach the art of applying and achieving that natural look you are going for. She can even give some lessons on how to do your hair before school (for yourself, or for that special child in your life).

Photo Ops

Yeah Pinterest is full of “Back to school” photo ideas, here is what we did last year for props: http://rocklandnymom.com/2015/08/22/back-to-school-photos-craft/. These are the t-shirts we update and take a photo in yearly as well: http://rocklandnymom.com/2015/09/17/first-day-t-shirt-craft/. We HIGHLY recommend Hudson Adrift if you need a t-shirt.

Also, Target usually has awesome banners that look like school supplies that you can use if you aren’t super crafty. The most I have seen them for is like $3 so its an easy and cheap photo prop for the kids to use (PS they have them for most holidays too, I am ALWAYS buying them). Amazon has some too like this Pencil Banner (click affiliate link).

Lunch Box Surprise

Sweet Spot Studio Cakes –

I really don’t remember where I saw this idea, but I always try to add a little note in their lunches the first day of school, but a little good luck treat made by Sweet Spot Studio Cakes would really make the grade.

Teacher Gifts

Totally not NECESSARY but always appreciated since teachers have jitters too… A little personalized gift, or even a first day cookie to match your kiddo’s. We highly recommend the craftiness of Hudson Adrift.

Enrichment Classes

Looking for some extra-curricular activities for your kiddos? Need to burn a little energy? Check out our Classes Directory- we have dance, to swim, music, art, cooking, martial arts, theater and so much more to suit your needs. http://rocklandnymom.com/directories/classes-for-kids/

Tutoring

Sometimes we need a little help along the way. Curriculum change so quickly and the last thing you want to do is drill your kids on schoolwork when you are so busy with everything else and may just want to be “parent” and not “teacher”. Plus lets face it, they listen a bit better to others than us sometimes. In this case you can reach out to a tutors who are teachers and specialize in whatever your child(ren) are struggling with. Check out the links below or see our Services Directory for details: http://rocklandnymom.com/directories/services-directory/

Teachers to the Rescue

Shining Star Tutoring

Night off of Cooking

First Day of School is hectic. Take the night off of cooking so you have time to hear all about the first day. Luigi O’Grady’s has a great family dinner that feeds our family of 5 easily and we still always have leftovers. There are great choices that appeal to both adults and kids – plus have healthy stuff like their awesome grilled veggies and salad.

A book for the night before :o)

Lots of nerves for kids, parents and teachers. Start a great new tradition of reading a nice back to school story to ease the jitters. Here are some great suggestions (click the book to go right to the Amazon link).

HAVE AN AMAZING YEAR EVERYONE!!! FROM ASHLEY, SOFIJA AND MJ!!

Have you seen Basic Invite??

Posted on August 10, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Party, Photo Obsessed, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Services, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

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

I am such a control freak when it comes to my parties, and quite a snob when it comes to stationery. I know this is my own problem. But everyone who knows me expects it, they have even mentioned getting excited when they receive mail from me, as they never know what to expect when it arrives. As of late, I have given up on pre-made cards and was creating my own, from scratch. I will admit that it is fun, to a point. It all started when (E) was born and I needed to choose a birth announcement. It had to be just perfect, and I didn’t see anything I liked, either the shape was off or the color, even just the color of one flower was making me crazy. So I made my own. I have been making my own since, and she just turned 4.

I just made it through both birthday parties and the amount of work that went into designing, printing, cutting and sending invitations really makes my head spin. I was thinking “there has to be a better way!” Well it turns out we just learned of a great website (similar to some of the popular ones we see out there) called www.basicinvite.com. Contrary to its name, its actually so much more than basic. It covers your “basic” stationery needs, but in a very detailed and precise way.

I decided to take a look- right where my problem started Birth Announcements. Basic invite makes it possible for you to choose a basic design (there are quite a few), and then add all your own personal touches. Design options include:

modern birth announcements

baby boy birth announcements

baby girl birth announcements

traditional birth announcements

You can add photos, change wording, shape and the fonts just like I have seen before. But then, something I hadn’t seen… I could change the colors of the invite, I could change the colors of the INDIVIDUAL flowers on the announcement I had chosen. This is the new level of personalization that I have been looking for. I chose an announcement with a floral ring around the photo. Not only was it able to make all of these great changes, I could see and play with the combinations right on the site, and easily. It’s easy to use for ANYONE.

So many great choices

My choice (I wanted to see how much I could change)

The original colors- click on each element and choose your own colors.

My new color choices (I went crazy to make a point)

My new and improved Birth Announcement.

You can then go on to customize not only the front, but the back, the envelope and the envelope liner. Once you have had your fun there it gets down to the nitty gritty. Will your foil be flat or raised? What type of paper do you want? Yeah this may be one of the happiest parts for me. I like stationery to be on nice thick paper and I am intrigued Luxe Velvet.

Unsure if it’s actually going to meet expectations? They allow you to order a sample. Now, the sample does cost some money, but with this company when you order a sample its NOT just a sample of the invite they had left over. Its YOUR actual sample. You can get one to make sure you LOVE IT. If you aren’t pleased, send it back for a refund or they will fix it for free. This sample route doesn’t work great if you are a last minute type of family, but for planners like myself, its AMAZING. If you are in need of ideas you can also check out their Pinterest page for some goodies.

You have the ability to save and come back to your design, so that you can work on it another day or order more if necessary (I always end up having to order more Christmas Cards). Oh yeah AND free address collection. You simply share a link with friends and family, collect the addresses and basic invite has free envelope printing!!! That will save HOURS every time you have a party, send holiday cards, etc.

Basic Invite doesn’t end with birth announcements, they cover all your stationery needs, even providing 2 pages of FREE PRINTABLES (click here) for people to check out and use. I am slightly obsessed with the ugly sweater gift tags for Christmas gifts.

If you are looking for more information you can find Basic invite on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as well.

Dino-riffic Birthday Party!!

Posted on March 15, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Food, Party, Photo Obsessed, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as it includes some affiliate links. If you click on the items I used for the party, it will take you right to them.

This year for (A)’s Birthday Party, he again told me he wanted it at “a place” until it came time to plan. Then he decided that he liked the parties that I planned better. It’s a lot of work, but I really enjoy the creativity, and making him happy. A part of me was really glad that i’d get at least one more year to spoil him.

He decided on a dinosaur theme. I like to dress on theme so we created this Jurassic World Vest with a patch I bought on etsy and a kids vest.

I made my own invitations on the computer- don’t ask me why I decided that the interactive (the cracked top pulls out to reveal invitation information) sort would be fabulous this year bit I did. It took forever but we were both pleased with the outcome. I also made some vines out of shopping bags and paper for decoration, and a Happy Birthday Banner of hand-drawn bones.

I then created for him a “6” that looked like a dinosaur out of am blank wooden number. I used the 6 as decor at the party, for a photo prop, and then later in his dinosaur bedroom.

As we brainstormed together, the party became a fun paleontology party in the backyard. The first station that I set up was “camp”. This would serve as our home base. Base consisted of a tent that the kids could climb in and out of, and a kids picnic table (i’ve had this thing for years its awesome) that had on it binoculars, personalized collection bags and safari hats for each attendee.

I usually start parties with a craft because its easy to explain as kids start to arrive, and also usually a cute keepsake of the event. We made some “fossils” out of red clay on Styrofoam trays in the “Lab” area.

We got cleaned up and went down to the “Camp”. The tent also had the clues and maps for the bone expedition. Before we started I of course snagged a group photo.

The maps were created to look like the backyard, and put x’s where I hid bones. The bones were pieces from a wooden 3-d puzzle of a spinosaur that I glued larger pieces together for them to find. I took pictures of the pieces so that they knew what they were looking for and placed them in the envelope with the maps. The kids found all the pieces and then I put them together.

The next activity we needed their collection bags (brown paper bags I personalized that would turn into their goody bags). We went to the dino-nest in one area of a yard. The dino-nest had in it little dissolving eggs that have ‘growing” dinosaurs in them. Each child was told to find a few for their bag.

From there the kids moved over to the ‘ice age” where I had frozen small plastic dinosaurs into egg shapes (inside balloons that I later peeled). The ice eggs were put into water to begin melting. The kids dug the dinosaurs out of the ice and got to take a few of them too.

Then we moved onto the field of dinos. Plastic puppet heads were strewn on the grass near a blow up dinosaur (one of several scattered around the yard) kids got to take two of these and put them in their bags.

Lastly, there was the pinata. We filled the t-rex pinata with some candy for the kids to grab, and now that they are 6 I let them actually hit it instead of pulling strings.

As you may remember from my other posts, I don’t go crazy with food for kids parties, they really don’t care much. For this party I made Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets and Fries for attendees. Paper goods were also simple Jurassic Park ones that I found on Amazon. What I try to focus on a bit more is the dessert. I made fossil snicker doodle cookies by stamping plastic dinosaurs in them before I cooked.

I also made some “dino bone” cupcakes with white chocolate “skulls” and dirt made from crumbled graham crackers.

The most impressive part was of course the cake (I always love the cake). His cake was made by Vanessa of Sweet Spot Studio and it was just perfect!!! Not only is it stunning- but so so good. I have never been disappointed with her work.

Here’s another candid or two just because :o) Hope you enjoyed (A)’s 6th birthday party as much as we did!!

RNYM Bunny Brunch!!!

Posted on February 21, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Easter, Events, March of Dimes, Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, Reviews, RNYM Events, Things to Do!, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored event.

We at RNYM LOVE to host parties for you!!! Haven’t heard of them yet?! Well we would love to give you a quick run through. We host a bunch of community events for our readers so mark your calendars!!!

This past year we hosted/sponsored our:

Rockland Mommies Easter Egg Hunt

Tent at The March of Dimes Walk

Baby Shower

Costume Swap for a Cause

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Photo Credit: IC You Photography (it’s even possible that your children might both smile)

We are so very pleased to add to our repertoire this year our Bunny Brunch!!! Based on the 24 hour sell out of our Breakfast with Santa- you may want to get in on this quickly. Our dedication to affordable family friendly events continues as we throw an amazing Bunny Brunch with the help of our fabulous sponsors that includes:

Buffet Breakfast- Knights of Columbus Blauvelt
Professional Photos with the Bunny – IC You Photography
An Easter Craft- Day Camp in the Park
Photo Booth – Donations from Madison Lee PhotoBooths and Daisy Dreams Party
Chocolate Easter Pop – Sweet Celebrations with Jeannette
Bunny Ears for All Children
Bag of Swag- Free items, information and coupons from local businesses
Small Egg Hunt
Tricky Tray Full of fun prizes to benefit March of Dimes
Performances and interaction with Vicki’s Studio All Star Dance Team
Music and interactions with Catherine from Moon River Mother and Child

Here are the details:

Date: Saturday April 1, 2017

Two Settings: 9-10:30 or 11:30 – 1:00 ( 11:30 SOLD OUT)

Location: Knights of Columbus Blauvelt

Cost: $25 a person, Under 2 Free (It is assumed that under two will sit on your lap, if your child will be taking a chair it will be an additional member)

Ways to pay: PayPal- Chase Quick Pay- Check

How to reserve your spot:

Send an email to mailto:RNYMBunny@gmail.com requesting your seating and how many attendees you will have. You will receive a confirmation email with paperwork to fill out and instructions for payment. Payment is due within a week of communication or your space is forfeited to the next in line.

A special THANK YOU to our sponsors:

Day Camp in the Park– Luigi O’Grady’s- Vicki’s Dance Studio– IC You Photography– IN HOME LCSW – Pitch By Pitch Camp Madison Lee Photobooths
Moon River Mother and Child

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(Photo Credit: Kennedy Grey Photography)

(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography) (Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)

(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)
(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)