Direct Sales – Rockland NY Mom

A New Pandemic Skill

Posted on March 12, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Direct Sales, Food, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. If you choose to use my link to try Hello Fresh we do get a small coupon off our next box.

As you have read from some of my past posts, my kids have been home all pandemic. That’s a year today. Little E has some health issues that puts her in the high risk category and we can’t take any chances. Like everyone else we have been exhausting all options to keep our 10 and 7 year old kiddos entertained. To add to the craziness I am a teacher who goes to school daily, and works other jobs (including this one) in her free time. I generally don’t get home until about 7 pm and cooking at that point is just BLEH.

I have long ordered groceries online because its convenient for us. But like many was struggling with dinner time ideas. A friend had been posting about Hello Fresh and I was intrigued. We ordered our first box with a coupon (like the link I am providing here) for $70 off your first box. Its a good deal, and if you cancel after the first week you won’t get a second box, although you might want one.

We loved it, and kept it going.

To further complicate things, despite my running 6 miles a day and trying to take care of myself- I ended up herniating a disk in my back pretty badly, requiring surgery, less work, and less around the house (sidebar if you need a chiropractor or pain management Dr I have the best in Askenas Chiropractic and Grammercy Pain Management). Enter my 10 year old A. He said he wanted to cook the meal one night in January, and has been since. He can easily follow the directions, and just requires a little assistance from time to time organizing, and lifting hot items (although his confidence has really improved and he does it without worry now).

I started posting on my personal page his creations and how proud I am of him. I don’t have any disillusions that he will become the next great chef, in fact, he says he doesn’t want that. What I do have, is a kid with a useful skill, and that makes me happy.

Fast forward to a month ago. A Facebook “friend”, Stephanie Riccardi, who I will say was really more of an acquaintance, because I had ordered from her once during pandemic, saw my posts and was super impressed with him. She happens to be a Pampered Chef Consultant. She sent me a private message saying how impressed she was with him, and wanted to send him a little something from their catalog, and wanted to keep it a surprise. Well she did, but it wasn’t a little something, it was a big box full of top of the line goodies. He was so excited, and now has nicer tools than I do!

I decided that with all of the negativity around today and in the past year I had to write about this kindness. I am so proud of my guy and his love of cooking for the family, and glad that someday someone else may be able to reap those benefits. I am blown away by the kindness of someone who I barely knew, because she was glad to see a kid flourishing.

Hello Fresh info if you’re wondering: LINK

Why I like it- I don’t have to think about what to cook, we eat things I never would have “found” looking at internet recipes. Its a balanced and portioned meal, so we aren’t overeating. My kids are continuing to broaden their food horizons. I don’t have to go shop for the ingredients, they show up, ready to be prepped and put together.

You pick how many people you have to feed
You pick how many days a week you want
You choose a meal plan (we do meat and vegetables)
You choose a delivery day
The app I have found is the best way to do it all
Each week you can choose from about 25 different meals, or let them pick for you
When you call to cancel it stops

To Order: CLICK HERE we receive a small discount if you sign up with this $70 off coupon (afforded to everyone, its not because I am RNYM).

If you are in the market for any kitchen items from tools, to small appliances, please consider checking out Stephanie’s Link- she’s a great person and I am still taken aback by her kindness. In fact, I don’t even think she realized I have a “BLOG” where I would write about the experience. Her LINK

Wayne’s World- Party Time!

Posted on May 16, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Direct Sales, Food, March of Dimes, Party, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

This past month we held our first “Wellness Workshop” with Jamie Silver of Norwex and were dazzled as we learned how to eliminate chemicals from our cleaning routines. The party was held at Wayne’s World in Nanuet.

The workshop was a great success in that those who had questions and doubted the products were impressed by the science behind them. I myself am most looking forward to going through and de-cluttering my cleaning products, getting rid of my “Swiffer” and introducing my new (sturdier) mop system that doesn’t require me to re-attach a cloth to it several times.

Additionally, I am obsessed with the bathroom buddy that the kids can use to dry their hands in the bathroom- special side note- it has the special silver in it, so as they wipe, any bacteria that was still on their hands (after their super thorough washing) is removed. THAT’S A WIN IN MY BOOK!!! Seriously considering getting them for all of the teachers in my life (elementary).

Then there’s the health benefits…. Maybe little (E)’s allergies and asthma will improve now that the harsh chemicals are gone, and its so easy for me to clean up!!

The evening went super smoothly in no small part due to the activities put on by Wayne’s World itself. Who in addition to opening their doors, set up the kids activities, AND donated a percentage of their proceeds that DAY to the March of Dimes.

This was my first visit to Wayne’s World. The food was yum (as was the wine), the establishment super clean (yay!) and the kids had a blast! They got to make their own pizzas, and ice cream and also had a really cool tour of the kitchen!!! They had the opportunity to watch Chef Paulie through dough… a fabulous evening for them!!!

The look on their faces tells it all. Wayne’s World is a great family location (with specials for free kids on Mondays and Tuesdays). We will most certainly be back.

UPDATE: We earned $150 for March of Dimes at this event from Wayne’s World (which is great) and we also earned another donation from Jamie for the evening! So happy to have combined this event to support the March of Dimes!!!

Barefoot Brothers Books- Review!

Posted on July 3, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Direct Sales, Items, Reviews .

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

As an educator I must say that I am always excited to get my kids reading. We have more children’s books in our home than you can shake a stick at. We love books! I was SO excited when Jennifer approached me about testing out a few Barefoot Books with my kiddies and reviewing them. Yes! New Books! She asked me to choose a couple from the catalog and I found that I could not. Every time I tried I ended up with an endless list of books that I wanted to read. I eventually ended up just asking her to pic a few. She admits that it was difficult for her too, but I think she did a fantastic job (so if when you order you can’t choose, just ask her she is a GREAT help).

The first book that she had us take a look at was such a perfect choice. (E) is almost two and of course she is at a point where she is super sharp, and her language is exploding. She is OBSESSED with books where you search and find things. In this book “My Big Barefoot Book of Wonderful Words”, she points to things on the pages and we identify them for her. After a few tries, she starts pointing and labeling them herself. There is so much to look at, she sits often turning the pages and telling herself what things are. It’s ADORABLE.

The second book “There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea” was another great choice. The kids both enjoy it because the tempo is very catchy. There is also a “refrain” that the can repeat along with me. For kids who are just learning to read and repeat along with you like (A) is it is perfect because when we come to that part, he points and reads along. Afterwards he is so proud of himself that we all clap. At its conclusion we often hear the words “again, or more” from both of them. Even better? If I get tired of repeating it (never) it comes with a CD in the back that can be used in a CD player or watched on a computer.

The third book “Ship Shapes” had me in stitches. It turns out that this is an old favorite. I had no idea that it was a Barefoot Book!! (A) and I have been participating in the Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Program since he was 1 year old. We enjoy going through the books together (we take them out of the library), keep track of those we have read, and love the trip to the store in NJ to pick up our free reward when we have completed the list. Well, two years ago “Ship Shapes” was on the list. He loved it then, and more so now because he was able to identify every shape, and show his sister too. He just loves to show her things.

It is worth noting that each book is great quality. The illustrations are super colorful and appropriate without being over the top. They have stood up to (E)’s page turning (no small feat, we keep usually scotch tape on hand her books are well loved). I am eager to read and experience more of these books. I am especially interested in reading the books that are tales from around the world. I really enjoy these types of books, and I love the opportunity to teach the kids about each culture and where it is when we read things like that.

In fact, Jennifer seems to have read my mind. Her summer reading program through Barefoot Brothers Books gives me the opportunity to do just that. She has a printable passport (see below) available with the rules of the program as well as graphics to send for when you have completed a book. You can read the stories, keep track, learn about different cultures, and once completed earn a free book or a puppet (see official rules)!!!

The kids are really enjoying the books which says a lot. They have so many options available to them, that when they reach for the same ones over and over again it really means something. I love how much my kids love to read and Barefoot Books is a great way to grow and develop that love.

If you are interested in Barefoot Books you can contact Jennifer Rankin at barefootbrothersbooks@yahoo.com on her webpage www.BarefootBrothers.barefootbooks.com or on her Facebook Page

Every Mom Needs… A Good Bag

Posted on February 6, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Direct Sales, Reviews, Specialty Items .

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

I am a super busy mom (yeah aren’t we all) always on the go. I need supplies that can keep up with me. Everything needs to be dual action. For instance, I often use my camera bag as my diaper bag! I need compartments, durability and of course it needs to be attractive.

I also have a million bags. As a soccer coach I have been given a million freebies at conventions, camps, clinics, etc. One of my favorites has been cinch sacs. They aren’t big and bulky like many other bags, they are really lite and east to grab when you need to. I have one for (A)’s soccer gear, one for my training bibs, one for my gym gear and now one for my RocklandNYMom papers.

Of all of these bags that I have of this type I have to say that this one is my favorite.

It’s attractive (especially because it has the fancy personalization), and has all the convenience of my other bags, BUT it also has a few more features that I adore. It’s sturdy. This is the first time I have felt comfortable putting important papers in this type of bag. There is also a separate front zipper pouch that I can put things in so that they don’t get lost and can be easily accessed. I can now find my business cards and a pen when I am out working.

The price point is great too. It doesn’t break the bank, and has several design options. It will make a great teacher gift too. Now that I enjoy the Thirty one bags, I am going to purchase one of the Zip Top Organizing Utility Totes to carry my teaching items in, it will be super handy for bringing home documents to write and papers to grade!!!

If you are interested in thirty one bags, would like to host a party (online or in your home), or are interested in becoming a thirty-one consultant contact Christina Hennessy at angelwings1276@verizon.net or 845-558-1559. You can also join and follow Christina at www.mythirtyone.com/chennessy

Yummy Cookies, and Chocolate Oh My!

Posted on February 6, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Direct Sales, Reviews, Specialty Items, Yumm! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was given some specialty items to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I like chocolate A LOT! We could probably make that sweets in general. I would say I like them more than the average person. I can polish off a large bag of M&M’s or a bag of cookies in 5 minutes flat (not that I am particularly proud of that). I usually don’t keep sweets in the house, once I start I just can’t stop. I feel badly about it later because I know it is not good for me. Imagine my excitement (and fear) when I was asked to review some specialty chocolates and cookies from German Grocery!

I do not consider myself a connoisseur of any kind, but I have eaten quite a bit of chocolate and cookies in my time. I was determined to approach these with a critical eye and be able to give the most detail possible. Let me start by saying, these are not just any cookies, or any chocolates. Even with my track record I was not able to sit and gobble them down. Their richness and the interest in the flavoring forced me to slow down, take my time and enjoy each taste.

Let’s start with the cookies. The first were chocolate covered and super rich. I was able to eat one at a time only because of the richness, and believe me I am not complaining. The mix of flavors had my mouth on overload, and instead of mindlessly chomping through the entire package, they lasted, and I was able to reward myself with a treat every now and again.

The second bag of cookies were a shortbread sort of cookie. Very sweet, but so delicious. These were the family favorite. Especially for (A) who took a bite and then finished the cookie with an enthusiastic “yummmm!” After the first he said “Mom may I please have another one?” Endorsements don’t really come better than that. They are a great little treat with a cup of coffee or tea, really nice and again, I don’t want to gobble the whole bag. I want to enjoy them slowly.

(A) enjoys a cookie!

(A)’s favorite cookie!

Now the chocolates. The kids didn’t get to try these as they contained liquor. These were left up to the adults. The chocolate on the outside is delicious. I really enjoyed it. Although I usually don’t like too much added to my chocolate (I am a purist) the first chocolates “Laroshell” were more mild and a little more my style. You could barely taste the alcohol. The second chocolate “Brandy Beans” had more of a kick. Still super delish chocolate on the outside I was able to taste the alcohol a bit more. They were yummy and I was able to have a few before my Father in Law confiscated them (they were his clear favorites).

I would without a doubt recommend these treats and the other like it on the German Grocery site. They are not your “everyday” treats. They are a little different and different is nice. I really enjoyed having one or two a day and not gobbling them down mindlessly. My family too. It’s a real treat to have a cookie after dinner with a nice hot drink.

To order German Chocolates and cookies like the ones reviewed in this article contact German Grocery at: http://www.germangrocery.com/. Proudly and privately owned and operated by a Rockland Family, they meet all of your specialty needs.

What would you bring on a deserted island?

Posted on January 22, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Direct Sales, Photo Obsessed, Reviews, Specialty Items .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are those of Halli Tibbals, Younique presenter extraordinaire.

Whenever anyone asks me what three things I’d bring on a deserted island with me, I always say one of them has to be mascara (and a GOOD lip balm and a HOT man).

All joking aside, it doesn’t matter what kind of night I’ve had (or even day). I don’t leave the house without putting mascara on. Yet, I’ve stumbled to find a really good one that actually maximizes your lashes to the point that people wonder if they’re false. For the last several months, I’ve been using Younique‘s Moodstruck 3D Lash set and I’m in love! It applies easily like a mascara yet looks like the best falsies out there. Anyone that has tried false eyelashes, knows that it’s not that easy and the chemicals are plentiful (not something I love). SO that’s one of a few added BONUSES to the 3D fiber lash mascara…it’s naturally based (made from tea leaves!), cruelty free, paraben free, water resistant and a GREAT price at $29.00 for a set that lasts about 4 months!

After using it for several months and I realized that I could never use another mascara again….I then decided to become a presenter for Younique! I love what I am doing and feel incredible about the products that I am selling because they are naturally based, USA made and REALLY incredible!

For those of you who are contemplating purchasing it, or even are interested in learning more, you can contact me at: halliny76@aol.com place an order at youniqueproducts.com/Halli or give me a call to talk some more at: 614-595-4848.

I am so convinced that you are going to want to give it a try that I’ve included a set of tips for use.

Start with an eyelash curler to get maximum effect.
Now, take out both mascara tubes and hold BOTH in one hand! Go through steps 3, 4, & 5 on one eye 1st then the other!)
Open the translating gel. Apply a coat of the transplanting gel – like a mascara.
Start mid-way up your lash and wiggle the fibers through. Don’t forget the lashes near the outer corner of your eye! That’s where you get the real WOW factor!
Seal those fibers in with another coat of the transplanting gel. This is where you will start to see the lashes re-separate into long thick beautiful lashes
Be patient! This is something new and there is a slight learning curve. In a few applications you will be a master!!! AND YOU WILL BE IN LOVE!