Food – 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

Anything Goes- Westchester Broadway Theatre

Posted on July 23, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Events, Food, Out and about..., Reviews, Things to Do! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to see Anything Goes.

Photo Credit: John Vecchiolla

I’ve said it before, I will say it again, Dinner Theater NEEDS to become popular again!!! Chelsea and I went and saw this show last week and were floored by how few of our peers were there. Its AFFORDABLE, its DELICIOUS, and its ENTERTAINING!!! Its close to Rockland and a GREAT date night, and based on what I see for upcoming performances, also a great way to introduce kids to the stage.

So…. Here’s the info on the current performance, please remember that there is a discount if you mention RocklandNYMom when you call to order tickets!

Chelsea and I enjoyed the show, in particular the dancing was REALLY out of this world.

ALSO I ALMOST FORGOT- RIGHT NOW IS THEIR AMAZING CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE!!!

Westchester Broadway Theatre

Presents

ANYTHING GOES

Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter

Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse

New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman

Directed and Choreographed by Richard Stafford

Musical Direction by Patrick Hoagland

July 5– September 9, 2018

Bon voyage! Anything Goes, is the winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and considered one of the greatest Tap Dancing musicals of all time. A brassy nightclub singer, a starry-eyed stowaway and Public Enemy No. 13 are booked on a transatlantic luxury liner bound for romance and laughter.

Cole Porter’s delightful, delicious, first-class score includes some of the musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” “Friendship,” “All Through The Night,” and many more! Come aboard the tap-happy, SS American, where love is only a song away! ANYTHING GOES is a show not to be missed!

The Cast Features: Stacia Fernandez (as Reno Sweeney), Tina Johnson (Mrs. Harcourt), Kevin Pariseau (Lord Evelyn), Jon Peterson (Moonface Martin), Mychal Phillips (Erma), Jackie Raye (Hope), Zach Trimmer (Billy) and Bob Walton (Elisha Whitney).

The multi-talented Ensemble: Leeds Hill, Kelly Black, Katie Brunson, Mike Baskowski, Caroline Chisholm, Joseph Cullinane, Will Geoghegan, Kelly Gleason, Thadd Krueger, Seth Lerner, Lily Lewis, Mallory Nolting, Jason Rath, Joey Simon.

Directed & Choreographed by Richard Stafford, The Musical Director is Patrick Hoagland;

Associate Choreographer is Joseph Cullinane. Set Design by Steve Loftus, Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design by Mark Zuckerman. The Costume Designer is Keith Nielsen, Wig/Hair Design by Gerard Kelly, the Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas, and Properties are by Grumpy’s Props. Lisa Tiso is the Associate Producer.

Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.

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

Show Times:

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

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

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

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

Ticket Prices: Dinner & Show range between $59.00 to $89.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performance chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers!

Welcome to Wholesome Pantry

Posted on February 26, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Food, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was sent samples of Wholesome Pantry Products to test out.

Moms, well parents, carry a great weight on our shoulders. Along with all of the other things that we have to do, we also have to make sure that these amazing creatures that we have created are nourished. Not even just nourished, but fed well, healthily and in a way that’s appropriate for the fast paced world that we live in.

Enter Wholesome Pantry. Shoprite’s ever expanding line of healthy wholesome foods that are readily available and good for your family to consume. They are making eating and feeding well easier day by day.

Inside of the trial box I received were several great products including; apple crisps, energy trail mix, truffle oil and cayenne popcorn, pecans, and almond butter. I hadn’t even known that these items existed (you can find them in the snack isle).

We first went for the apple crisps. My family and I are big apple eaters, and these are literally freeze dried apple slices that are more like chips. I sent them to school with (A) as his healthy school snack. WELL, he loved them, so much that I headed right to the store to get more for all of us, and GUESS WHAT! They don’t only have apple, they also have pear, and peach. I got an assortment to send (and take) as snack.

Next we tried the popcorn. We LOVE the Olympics and you always need some snacks while you watch, so we made a few bowls. Its super tasty, RNYD and (A) especially liked it. It was a great lite snack for the opening ceremonies.

(A) and I get really bored if we have the same snack day after day, so the next day I tried the energy trail mix. A little of this goes a long way. Its a fabulous mix, I have always been a fan of sunflower seeds and dried cranberries. Its great alone, but also mixed into some Greek yogurt.

Although all of the items in our box could have been used to make healthy treats, I decided to look for dinner options for the last two. I had many reasons for it, but one of the major ones is how BADLY I need to switch up what I am feeding everyone, we’ve entered a food rut (insert scream).

The almond butter was kind of a mystery to me, I have never used it before but do LOVE peanut butter so I wanted to make something super yummy. I did a recipe search and found SO MANY great options- (including healthy options for those like me with a sweet tooth which I plan to try) but first, I am going to make this Spiralized Sweet Potato Pasta (CLICK HERE). I PROMISE to let you know how that is.

Last but certainly not least is the bag of pecans, which I purposely saved for last. I LOVE PECANS. I love Pecan Pie, I love Pecans in my acorn squash. But if you are a lover of Pecans you know they are not to be squandered, you have to use them in something great. I would REALLY like to make them into a pie- but I gave up sweets for Lent, so I am going to stick with this Honey-Pecan Chicken (CLICK HERE).

I promise to update you all on these two dinners and if I like them i’ll add them to our RNYM Favorite Recipes page where I put up recipes my family loves so that if you get stuck in a rut you can see what I have been up to. In the meantime, I am so excited about all these new options available for healthy eating in the home <3 I am hoping to be able to update you with more soon.

Luigi O’Grady’s Expands Offerings!

Posted on January 17, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Events, Food, Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

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

If you are anything like me you ADORE Luigi O’Grady’s. In fact, when I had my children my “push present” both times was a roast beef sandwich from then, brought to the hospital (yep). I cater everything with Michelle’s help. I’ve done Superbowl, Birthday Parties, Christmas, Breakfast- you name it Michelle and her crew have cooked it for me. What’s better? It’s all been done to rave reviews.

Well, now you can have you WHOLE EVENT planned and taken care of by Michelle and her staff at the Sons of Italy Blauvelt. Yep that’s right they have become the exclusive caterers for the hall.

The Sons of Italy is a full service catering hall. Fully staffed events, high quality food and service, bar service is all included.

There are different packages to choose from and Michelle will work with you to meet all your needs as well as work with budgets.

She offers valuable insights with her extensive experience as well. I will never forget planning my first at home birthday party, I sent what I wanted over to Michelle and her response was, that’s all great choices, but its a lot of chicken, lets offer a little more variety. She was SO right. The guests adored the options available, and always ask where I got the food from.

I am so excited about this new development I could SCREAM!! From what I understand dates are filling up fast, so if you have something coming up reach out sooner than later. I know because am looking to plan some fun stuff there for you all too ;o).

To speak to Michelle about an event you can email her at info@luigiogradys.com or give a call at 845-735-9110.

STAY TUNED!!!

KidStuff Coupon Books

Posted on October 4, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Food, Items, Money Momma, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Services .

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

As a school teacher and a parent I am more than aware that schools need funding. What they receive from the government just doesn’t cut it. Not with changing technology, consumables, and the numbers of attendees always on the rise. We are so very lucky to live in an area where we have active PTA groups who work tirelessly to raise funds for the fun and educational events that are provided for our children.

This post is for the PTA parents who are looking for ways to raise funds. KidStuff coupon books are an effective fund raisers that are ONLY for schools. No other groups can sell them. Additionally, 50% of the sale of each book goes DIRECTLY to the school. That’s $12.50 a book! No other fundraiser can boast that kind of return.

This means that if each child in a class sells just one, a class of 20 students earns $250 for their school, it adds up so quickly.

The other perk is that its a fundraiser that’s actually USEFUL. I keep two of these books on hand every year. One is in my car for when I stop somewhere and could use a coupon, and the other is in my desk where I do a lot of my shopping planning etc. I almost NEVER make a purchase without checking the book first. In fact, I have friends who sometimes come to my room to go through the book before they plan a trip or run to the store. This is especially helpful around the upcoming holiday season.

What kind of coupons can be found in the books?

Clothing Stores
Eateries
Theme parks

To see the whole list please visit: www.KidStuffCouponBook.com

To sell KidStuff books at your school you can contact them at 1-888-404-5437 option 1- or email info@kidstuffcouponbook.com . As always we appreciate that you let them know that you heard about it here.

We are lucky enough to have 2 Kidstuff books to give away with this post. To enter the drawing, please comment either on this post or on the facebook post and tell us why you are interested in Kidstuff books- whether it is for fundraising for your school or for the great savings inside. The contest will end 10/6/17 and winners will be notified via PM or email. Good Luck!!!

Annie Get Your Gun- Westchester Broadway Theatre Review

Posted on October 2, 2017 by Sofija Duic Posted in Events, Food, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

By: Sofija Duic

Last June Megan took little (E) to go see Annie at Westchester Broadway Theater and had a BLAST! Not only did we give a great review, but we were able to snag a FABULOUS discount for our readers. Well, we are back with another great review, and a discount code for you and your family too!!! Read all about it- we are DYING to get back there (seriously (A) asks me EVERY DAY).

Annie Get Your Gun

At The Westchester Broadway Theatre

Music & lyrics by: Irving Berlin

Book by Herbert & Dorothy Fields

Directed & Choreographed by Richard Stafford

Musical Direction by Shane Parus

September 14 – November 18

Getting there & Parking: Leaving from Nanuet, it took my family about 25 minutes to get to the theatre. It was a straight jump onto the NY State Thruway, to the Saw Mill and a few turns and we were there. Parking was so easy as well, since the theatre has its own parking lot. Super convenient, especially with 2 anxious girls that were so excited about dinner and a show, there were no “are we there yet”.

Dinner: WOW – the choices where amazing. We were able to choose from seafood, chicken, pork, prime rib and even a vegetarian option. If you have picky little eaters, they have a kids menu available as well. When you sit, you are served a side salad to start, with a little corn muffin and roll. Your waitress/waiter then comes by to see if you want drinks or any other types of appetizers (these are at an extra cost). We stayed with the menu they gave us. I chose the Chicken Saltimbocca, with a baked potato and veggies. The meal was cooked to perfection, with no complaints from me. Both my girls chose the Chicken Piccata, and said it was “super yummy mommy, can you make this one night” (1 chose to have 2 baked potatoes, and the other a baked potato and rice pilaf). My husbands choice was the Prime Rib. I was super worried that when he asked for it medium, since many places have a hard time making a prime rib to perfection, but once again the chef did not disappoint. It was perfectly pink and my husband even mentioned that it was probably one of the best pieces of meat he has had (going out to diner). Dessert was just as delicious. They have an extra menu that you can purchase from, but we were happy with what the chef prepared. Vanilla ice-cream over a ½ a peach, raspberry syrup, whip cream and a cookie. When we stepped out at half time to stretch our legs, we saw some of the other desserts (and sadly regret not trying one of the other options as a bonus dessert). We also had some coffee and tea.

The Show: The show was great. Annie Get Your Gun is a play about crack shot Annie Oakley. Annie (Devon Perry) is a quick witted, sharpshooter that wills her very first shooting competition against “the best shooter around” Frank Butler (Adam Kemmerer). While they travel throughout the US, Annie and Frank form a bond and start to fall for each other. But as stubborn as Frank and Annie are, they end up going in different directions. Annie with Wild Bill and his show, and Frank with Pawnee Bill’s show. Finally after months apart, they are back in the same City (New York City) when Sitting Bull, helps Annie realize how to win the man of her dreams heart back – by letting him win the competition.

The show was great for men and woman alike, as well as kids. It touches on friendly competition between a man and a woman, some action with the shooting competitions, and some romance. The voices of Annie & Frank were amazing. The notes that they hit and the range was simply impressive. The ensemble was just as amazing as the main characters with the dancing and singing and kept my girls entertained for sure.

Show Times:
Wednesday & Thursday & some Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm.
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm.
Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm
Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.

RocklandNYMOM.Com Readers get a Discount – Just mention: Rockland NY Mom. You will receive an $11 – $15 savings (depending on performance chosen)

Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com
Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.
Luxury Boxes: Call (914) 592-8730. For private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking.

Ticket Prices: Dinner & Show range between $56.00 and $84.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performances chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. More news at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

Meet Daisy Dreams Party

Posted on July 31, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Events, Food, Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

We first met Daisy Dreams Party when we threw our Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus last year. They were the SUPER talented ladies who made our centerpieces and other beautiful decor.

The thing is, not that many people know about it, which is a shame so here’s your introduction. Daisy Dreams Party is located in the Indian Rock Shopping center in Suffern.

Its hard to categorize them into one area, they do party decor (and so so well- did you see the giant Basket they made for our Bunny Brunch?), will travel to you to do parties, but also they are a party LOCATION- Ice Cream Shop. and store for unique party supplies. There’s pretty much nothing they don’t do.

On this occasion we invited our readers to visit their location for a Pirate and Princess Party!!! The party was capped at 25 and was booked fully in less than 24 hours (you gotta watch our Facebook page for pop up events they go fast :o).

Those who were lucky enough to secure a space were welcomed at check in and given little bracelets to wear. Then they were invited in to create a special craft which was a wooden chest that could be decorated for either princesses or pirates.

Once complete the attendees were brought out into the ice cream shop where they could choose their own flavor ice cream, and make a sundae.

At the end of the event all attendees were given a balloon, and a cute goody bag.

The kids all had a blast, as did the parents. Some ordered themselves milkshakes while they were there, while others browsed the party supplies, leaving with some goodies for upcoming events. Almost everyone who attended mentioned that they had never heard of Daisy Dreams Party and said they would be back.

Its the perfect place for a party, or to spend some time on a super HOT or RAINY day with the kids.

Daisy Dreams – Balloons and Party Goods Store – 18 Indian Rock Route – Suffern, NY 10901 – (845) 504 5445

facebook.com/daisydreamsparty

We know you’ll like it here!- Annie-WBT Review

Posted on July 12, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Food, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to see Annie. All opinions expressed are my own.

WHY ISN’T DINNER THEATER MORE OF A THING?! That’s all I have been asking myself since we attended Annie at Westchester Broadway Theater last Thursday night. Our family of four is OBSESSED! So much so that RNYD has already picked out our second show that he wants to attend this August, and I had to take a picture of the upcoming shows because I can’t wait to go see more!!!

We took little (E) for her 4th Birthday last week, and “oh my goodness!” As a family we adore theater, we love Broadway, but sometimes with the expense of it, with young kids is such a gamble that we avoid it. When we do go its includes dinner the whole shebang. Will the kids sit through it, especially after the car/train ride? Will we find decent parking? Where can we eat that everyone will be happy? Will there be a crazy wait at the restaurant?

Westchester Broadway Theater handles ALL of that! For a reasonably priced ticket you get, a short drive, close parking, a delicious meal (including desert and salad), AND a spectacular performance. I feel like I could go on FOREVER, but I know you want me to get down to the nitty gritty- here goes…

Ten Reasons Dinner Theater Rocked and needs to be a thing:

Short easy drive from Rockland, Westchester, Northern Jersey
It literally took us 20 minutes to get there, no crazy traffic, just a straight shot to Elmsford.
Free parking right there.
Yep, a nice large parking lot where you walk straight into the theater.
Pretzel Encrusted Chicken

Seriously, the menu was awesome, but this sounded so neat I had to try it, so glad I did!! (A) had the Broiled Filet of Sole, and (E) had the chicken fingers)
CLEAN bathrooms
Important for me, but so much more for my 4 year old daughter, we must have gone 5 times, so this was a breath of fresh air.
Small personal theater

Cool for adults, and so much more for kids. No distractions, an intimate performance where you can see it all.
Comfortable seating

RNYD has had 5 back surgeries, this is important, as is leg space. Unlike many Broadway theaters WBT has comfy chairs, and room to breathe. Little (E) could even stand without bothering other theatergoers.
The talent on stage

You don’t even know you aren’t ON Broadway. The bios of the actors speaks for itself, but even without reading, you know from the first number, these guys are fabulous.
People still dress
I don’t know about you, but it irritates me that people wear denim to Broadway. When I first started going people wore their Christmas and Easter outfits. At WBT people were dressed for the occasion, it adds to the element.
Affordable for a family
Dinner and entertainment for a family of four (never mind the kind of caliber food and entertainment) is EXPENSIVE. WBT has made it possible to give your family the experience in an affordable way (especially if you mention RocklandNYMom.com for your discount).
The staff

My little princess wore her birthday tiara, EVERY staff member we encountered commented on its loveliness and then treated her like a queen when they learned why she was wearing it.

All in all it was really, truly the most fantastic birthday experience for (E) and for the whole family. (A) asked if we could go back for his birthday next year, and RNYD has picked out a concert event on 8/12 that he wants to attend. I have already spied a few upcoming shows I will be purchasing gift (and personal) tickets for. This is an experience not to miss. A great intro to the stage for kids, and a memorable experience for the whole family.

Recommendations:

Time: (A) is 7 and (E) is 4. We went to an evening show- both made it through because the show was AWESOME, they couldn’t keep their eyes off of the stage, the is ABSOLUTELY suitable for younger kids as some of the Hollywood scare is not in the play, but I recommend the daytime showings for most children. We didn’t get home until 11:30 and knew we had nothing planned for the following day.
Money: Who doesn’t love saving? Mention RocklandNYMom.com to receive a discount!!!
Dining: They don’t have cups with lids- if you have a kiddo you are worried may spill, bring your own to fill.

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!!

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!!!