Reviews – Page 16 – Rockland NY Mom

My Transformation- Fitness Kickboxing NY

Posted on March 2, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Specialty Items, Things to Do! .

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

When I last wrote about Fitness Kickboxing NY I was thrilled to have started a journey back to my former self (READ ARTICLE ). I had lost 10lbs, begun to tone and have noticable differences not only in the way I looked but also in the way that I felt.

Here are my photos from that posting.

Fast forward to today. It has been a YEAR since I first posted a review of Fitness Kickboxing NYand I have been faithfully attending, and following Amirs food plans, and participating in his challenges. I am down 35 LBS!!! My husband actually says he doesn’t remember me ever being thinner (although that is untrue it feels awesome).

My Fall Update Photo compaired to me Last May (2015)

I feel great. Everyone stops me and asks me how I did it and I can’t say enough about Amir. His gentle (and tough when necessary) guidance has pushed me to become the me that I want to be for myself, my husband, for my children. I am the role-model I want to be for my children as well as for those I teach.

Not that I haven’t had bumps along the way. As a former collegiate athlete I have some residual damage that I have to deal with daily, namely my knees are shot. Yeah and I kickbox. Amir makes that happen. When I am sore, or having a bad day, he just makes modifications for me, finds other ways to push me and get me the workout that I need. He emails to check up on me.

I have recently had to take a little break because I need to get a series of injections in my knee. My doctor also advised me that I need to limit contact, and lose even more weight. I sent this information to Amir and he got right to work on our game plan.

I start this weekend. It’s perfect timing because Amir is starting his next challenge group this weekend (3/6), The Resolution Refresh 4 Week Challenge. It’s a great opportunity for me to ease back into my routine and jumpstart further weight loss to aleviate the stress on my knees.

The challenge includes:

4 weeks of unlimited classes
15 minute bonus workouts on specific days.
A focused meal plan
Photo progress shots (these are totally private, but are fabulous motivators)
Personal guidance (literally 24/7) from trainers and coaches.
10% any service with Carrie at Sacred Skin Wellness

That’s my plan. I am going to crush this new challenge, and then I am going to treat myself to another amazing facial with Carrie (its heavenly).

To sign up for the challenge, Call 845-653-2488, for more information you can search FB for the Resolution Refresh 4 Week Fitness Challenge, or check out the website www.fitnesskickboxingny.com. I am hoping to see you there.

Build a Robot…Create a Video Game…. FREE!

Posted on February 29, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps, Out and about..., Things to Do! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Little Ivy is a Camps Directory Sponsor. All opinions expressed are our own.

Your Child Can. . . Build a
Robot!. . . Create a Video
Game!

at Rockland YouthFEST 2016 & Ramapo STEAM Expo

You and your family are invited to join us for a Sunday filled with real, hands-on discovery
and real fun at Rockland County YouthFEST and the STEAM Expo— both
events just minutes apart, right here in Suffern!

We especially look forward to seeing you at our interactive Real Discovery!
Lab where your child can:

Construct & Launch a Robot

Create & Program a Video
Game

. . . and more, just as our elementary and middle-schoolers do in our Summer Camp programs and our The Robots Are Coming!, RealScience! & Express Yourself! enrichment labs!

The STEAM Expo is set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, March 6 at
Suffern High School, 49 Viola Road, Suffern NY– Admission is Free!, Sponsored by the REACH Foundation of Rockland, the expo promises to showcase STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) programs and opportunities available in the Ramapo Central School District, in addition to the Challenger Center’s mobile
Planetarium showing movies, a Hubble Telescope engineer and more!

Now in its 18th year, YouthFEST is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday,
March 6 at the Rockland County Community College Fieldhouse– Admission
is Free! A full range of family entertainments, activities,
interactive exhibits and food will be on offer, including the Big Apple Circus’
Circus to Go!, Nyack Hospital’s Teddy Bear Hospital; inflatables, and much more!

For additional information about what promises to be a full Sunday of family
fun, please contact us by phone at 201-444-8400 or by e-mail at info@littleivyacademy.com.

Frozen in Ice- Review!

Posted on February 16, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews .

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

The kids and I ventured out this weekend to Frozen in Ice at Skylands Stadium. There is no DIRECT correlation with the event and the movie “Frozen” other than the fact that it is fabulously made of ice. Despite that fact, my Frozen fans thought Elsa was responsible for the event and we had a great time.

Helpful Hints:

Dress WARM! We wore snow suits and the whole deal.
Hit the slide early (the line can get long).
Plan to take your photo on the throne before the kids are exhausted.
Kids under 36″ must be accompanied on the slide.

It took us a quick hour to get to the stadium (all highway until the very end). Once there the walk in was easy (we went as soon as it opened since it was to snow later in the day). Right when you walk in there is an ice cabin that we went into and checked out. The kids thought it was so “cool” that everything was ice. They were amazed at what could be made, and laughed when they had difficulty staying on the bed. They pretended to warm their hands by the ice fire and had an invisible meal at the ice table.

Once we walked out of the cabin the first thing you can see is the slide, so we did that next. (A) was old enough to go on his own and did it 3 times (he loved it) before the line got a little long. (E) had to go with me since she wasn’t 36″ tall. That’s ok because it gave me an excuse to try it. It moves FAST (pick your feet up at the end, don’t try to stop yourself, it hurts a little). I have video of (A) sliding on our YouTube page.

The mascots for the “Miners” baseball team were around the whole time high fiving and posing for photos.

When we had slid enough (A) noticed the ice maze. The kids spent a good 45 minutes running though, and hiding from one another. (Video of this can also be found on our YouTube Channel).

We finished walking around and admiring the other ice sculptures after the maze. That is when we found the Frozen Throne. This is great because you can have your photo taken and emailed to you for free. If you are there with the kids and want a photo of everyone (instead of always being behind the camera) you have a little momento.

Back inside the main entrance, there was food, and some raffle chances you could fill out to win. There were also some games you could play. Since we knew that there was weather coming, we skipped this part and went outside.

Outside there were some more great ice sculptures, and a fire pit where you could make smores. It smelled super yummy. There was also a “hayride” taking people around the stadium field. On a day that was a little less chilly (I chose the coldest day to go) this would have been perfect for us. Little (E) is 2 and was sooo cold. (A) who is 5 would have been fine.

Frozen in Ice is a great time. We ended up staying about 2 hours and that’s without all of the cool extras that we had to do without. Both kids fell into a deep sleep on the way home. I would absolutely recommend it.

Frozen in Ice is only available through February… To purchase tickets Click Here!

Play Fair! – Review

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to visit the Playfair.

We were so excited to head to the first event of PlayFair at the Javitts Center Saturday morning. Unfortunately the event is sold out, but I still want to share our experience with you!

We ordered our tickets before the mailing deadline, so we had our badges in hand so we were able to walk right in. Sadly, if you did not have badges it was a long wait outside. Due to the severe cold, this was rectified by the afternoon session. Right inside the door was a coat check, and plenty of employees directing you.

Lets start with the basics:

There are plenty of parking lots near the center. We chose one about 3 blocks away. Easy.
If you don’t NEED a stroller, don’t bring it. With the crowds it can get hard to maneuver.
Use the coat check so you have empty hands for taking pictures and having fun!
There are ample clean bathrooms with changing tables
There are food options – hot pretzels, popcorn, smoothies, fruit, ice cream etc. You can also bring in your own food.

One of the great parts is that once you are in you don’t need to pay for anything (except food). At certain booths you are able to purchase items, but it was also easily avoidable to prevent meltdowns.

The center is huge and full of interactive stations with games and toys to explore. Crayola, Legos, Thomas the Train, Nickelodeon, Toys R Us – you name it! With give-a-ways at almost every one!

There was so much to see and do, I am going to narrow it down to the big stuff!

Through out the session there were numerous Character Photo ops – Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Ninja turtles, Shimmer and Shine to name a few. Each Session has different characters available, so be sure to check the website for a list. The lines were long, and a bit unorganized so we decided to save our meet and greet for our favorite, PJ Masks!

There were also characters roaming around – Captain America, Princess Belle, Geoffrey the Giraffe, Play-dough, all available for photo ops.

There was a really neat camera at Crayola that would take your picture and turn it into a coloring page! Boys got a kick out of that.

The LEGO area was awesome. It was a lot like being at LegoLand! Buckets of legos to build with, racetracks to race your cars, a lego wall to build tiles. Super cool!

(W)’s favorite part was the pedal kart racetrack! Berg toys set up a racetrack letting the kids try out their amazing pedal bikes. He was so proud of himself afterwards. “That was really hard at first, but I really figured it out!”

We really wanted to get in to see the Nickelodeon station. It looked fun with slides, photo ops, and creative stations. But the line was incredibly long, so we had to miss that one.

The session went fast! We were so busy having fun, next thing we knew it was time to go! Being that it was a brand new event in its FIRST YEAR we expected a few bumps. The lines were long, and the event was over crowded, but the boys had a blast!

Chris Kissik Painting and Construction to The Rescue!

Posted on February 8, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Services, Uncategorized .

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

What do you do when your friend calls you with a Home Improvement DIY emergency? A friend who you have known for your whole life, one that you want to be happy? One who happens to be just as anal retentive as you are? You have to recommend someone that you can trust. Someone that you know will show up when called (that’s one of the biggest hurdles is it not?), who will treat their home like their very own. For me that person was Chris Kissik of Chris Kissik Painting and Construction.

Well, that is exactly what happened. One of my very best friends for years gave me a call in a panic. She had FINALLY been able to update her bathroom, things were coming along well, and then the shelf in the shower happened. It was crooked and spaced strangely and she was heartbroken.

Chris was part of the crew who worked on my bathroom a year and a half ago, and our paths have crossed multiple times. So when my friend called me with a tile emergency I knew just who to call.

I explained to Chris that we had a DIY 911 he was happy to go over and take a look, and ultimately fix the mistake.

He went over and calmed my friend down immediately. They made an appointment and she went to go and get the items that he needed. Here’s what I love… Some contractors would have walked in and then walked away. It wasn’t a large job, it was fixing a home DIY. There wasn’t a lot of money in it, and not a ton of glory in it. He didn’t give her a ridiculous quote because he didn’t “feel like” doing it, not once did he think, “this isn’t worth my time.’ He was her hero.

He fixed the shelf. Its perfect. I will tell you what, she will call him again and so will I. Chris is licensed in Rockland and isn’t afraid of a job no matter how large or how small. I have a laundry list of things he will be working on for me this summer ( I am sure he can’t wait).

I may kick myself for letting you all in on this great secret because he may end up being so busy that he can’t work for me anymore but you should know.

As an added bonus if you visit out Savings for RNYM Readers page you will see that mentioning our site also earns you a discount on his services.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester- REVIEW

Posted on January 19, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester.

My step-mother planned a visit to come and see the kids (she lives in Oregon) this past summer and I was wracking my brain as to where to go with her and the kids. I desperately wanted to show her a good time but didn’t want to force her to travel much more than she already had. I needed to keep it close.

Then it dawned on me. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is perfect! Its super close (20 minutes tops?), has enough to do for lots of fun, and we can do it in a day. (Plus, (A) happens to be really into LEGOs, which means (E) is too). We hadn’t been in a year so the kids and I were really excited!!!

We know from past experience that it can get crowded fast especially on days off from school so we went super early and were the second family to enter for the day. It was nice to go and not need to bring the stroller this time (although we didn’t have any trouble with it when we did- Read our previous review). I was super happy to see that LEGOLAND Discovery Center grows with you. Some of the attractions that they didn’t really get into the previous trip were now really awesome for them.

Our pictures this year were awesome, really enjoyed it. (A) couldn’t wait for the first ride where he would get to shoot the bad guys and save LEGOLAND.

Once inside we walked around and checked out the unbelievable NY landmarks that the master builders put together. (A) and (E) appreciate this part much more now, and really enjoyed running around and pressing all of the buttons that made them come to life.

(E) really loved the ride where we pedaled to lift ourselves up into the air. She is finally big enough for such things and it really makes her happy.

Last year when we went neither child wanted to sit and see a movie. This year they were excited to go in. I knew that the movie was 3D but didn’t realize that it was 4D. How cool it was to watch them react when they got wet, or cold!!! (This may not be suitable for children with sensory issues). We watched two movies together and laughed through the whole thing (even little (E) who is 2).

(A) enjoyed much more this year building something to test on the motion plate (he didn’t have the patience last year), and (E) equally enjoyed knocking it down when he built something sturdy.

Neither was ready to build the racecar or attend the master builder seminar but that was ok too, they really didn’t need to. Perhaps next year we will add this part to the list.

The soft jungle gym in the middle was a huge hit (just like last year). The kids must have spent 3 hours in there over all. I love how secure it is (kids can’t come out unless a parent is standing near the exit). We saved it for last to tire them out good right before heading home.

The gift shop on the way out is entertaining as well, but they were so tired we didn’t do much shopping. We did stop for a nice bite at a nearby restaurant (there are several great options).

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is so close you can take advantage of their many fabulous events (including grown up night, yep). They also hold birthday parties (very good to know, and the cost is pretty standard), and school outings. Highly recommended for a day of fun.

Super Bowl Parties 2016!!!

Posted on January 14, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Food, Reviews, We're Having a Party .

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

It’s that time again!!! The biggest game of the year is quickly approaching. Fans are excited, non-fans are excited. Pools are started, commercials are unbelievable, and its well known for its food.

My family and I aren’t necessarily “football fans” we enjoy a game from time to time, but we always watch the big game. My father was a big fan and in his honor we always get sandwiches, coke classic, and chocolate covered donuts.

Luigi O’Grady’s in Pearl River doesn’t disappoint on the food front (they never do). In fact, they have created several different great options for the occasion. I have always found them to be super accommodating, and I love that I can have the food delivered (since picking up trays of food with two kids in tow is near impossible).

OPTION #1 – The Intimate party

OPTION #2- The Bash

OPTION #3 – A La Carte

Option #4- The Fundraiser (Be sure to mention PRHS Class of 2016)

To order call Michelle at (845)735-9110 to place your order or visit their website http://www.luigiogradys.com/ for more information.

Free Paint with Underground Finds & Furniture! -Review

Posted on January 13, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Crafts, Events, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to a class at Underground Finds and Furniture. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love to craft. That’s no secret. I will try pretty much any craft once. I have taken the kids to a myriad of different crafting events. They really enjoy them as well, and I love the time we get to spend together being creative, and making memories. This past weekend Mary of Underground Finds and Furniture held her first in house crafting class. In this format Mary can share the techniques that she has learned when she first started her shop. This low cost class was a real blast for myself and for the kids. Mary shared different techniques and some really fantastic supplies with us while we were there.

I must disclose. This was NOT a typical crafting class. There were crafts and there was fun, but the laid back atmosphere made it that much more enjoyable. I used to take the kids to the Home Depot Kids workshops all the time because I like their vibe. They gave you a project with a general idea, and left paint so you could create in your own way. This class reminded me of that, but cooler because I was learning cool new techniques too.

The event was created a little over a month ago and sign-up filled quickly. Upon arrival you could see that Mary was prepared and excited. There was a little table in the adjoining room with some (healthy) snacks and water on it so that if people got hungry or needed a break they could take one. The Crafting room had a large table with chalk paint in the center (so many great colors it was like an all you can craft buffet!). There were plaques that we could make into signs with either a meaningful quote or a picture or both, AND she had boxes as well as blocks that the kids could paint as well.

Mary explained the project and had people pick their items to work on. She then told us about the two different techniques that we could use with her silhouette machine. I chose to do the relief technique for both of the kids projects. (A) decided to use a Star Wars Quote, and I wanted to make a sign for (E) that said “Always kiss me goodnight” for her new room.

The project was kicked up a notch when Mary also mentioned that she had “Glow in the Dark” spray paint. (A) was enthralled. He ended up using the paint on all 3 of his projects.

First we painted a base layer on both projects.

On (A)’s he then spray pained the glow in the dark. (E)’s got a blend of colors that are being used in her “shabby chic” bedroom.

Then we used the computer to plan out the sizes, fonts and graphics for the boards.

Once dry we placed the words and graphics on the boards.

Another coat of paint, in another color, went on top.

The vinyl was removed to show the negative space.

I then sanded and waxed ( I really like that look).

(A) is obsessed with the fact this his glows :o)

Here are the finished products!!!

The kids also worked on painting boxes which they are using around the house to store their “treasures”.

Mary’s next workshop is taking place on February 21st and will be making photo boards with a picture, a wooden board, chalk paint and some modge podge. The cost is $10 a person (for supplies) and the class is limited to 10 students. To register email: MDM441@gmail.com by 2/14/16.

Painting Sweet Dreams

Posted on January 11, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Good Cause, Playroom Project, RNYM's Picks, Services, Specialty Items .

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own.

In our travels we came across Sabrina Crowley who makes the dreams of little children come true in their special spaces (bedroom, playroom). She is a muralist. In fact, she makes the dreams of grownups come true too. She can paint anything, and make it exactly what you imagined it could be. This is especially cool for people like me, I have awesome ideas, but was not blessed with artistic talent. Here is her story.

My name is Sabrina Crowley and I am a muralist. I just love what I do! There is nothing more exciting then seeing smiling faces on parents and children as they see their room come to life!

I became a muralist when I decided to leave my 15yr fashion design career behind to stay home with my young children, one of which has some severe health issues. It was time for me to be a full time mommy. I soon realized being creative was something I couldn’t live without. I started by painting murals in my children’s rooms, even my 4 year old helped!

I have been an artist all my life. I made my first pair of MC hammer pants in 6th grade, that sewing machine had me at hello. I spent time making crafts such as soaps and candles, quilts and more throughout my high school and college years. I worked many craft shows and street fairs. It was a lot of fun. I graduated from FIT and my fashion career took off. It was amazing, I worked for some really great companies and was really able to spread my creative wings.

Now I paint murals full time. Every room is different and every family has been amazing to work with.

The process is simple. We discuss what you are interested in and I make a trip to your house for a free consult. I sketch up and idea of what room will look like and we proceed from there. I try to accommodate as best I can, as I only paint 2 days a week. I spend about 10-12 hours on each room! I am in and out in two days and quiet as a mouse! You won’t know I’m there…so I’ve heard!

So if your looking to create a fun new space for your little one?

Here are some excellent examples of Sabrina’s work.

For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/Sabrinasmurals/

(A)’s Polar Plunge

Posted on December 29, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews .

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

The last thing most parents are thinking about this time of year is swim lessons. Admittedly, even me. Who was thinking about it? Little (A). He adores swimming and although we had decided to wait on lessons, he kept asking. The decision not to sign up this fall was made after a conversation I had with Ashley the Condors Swimming Director. Under her care and that of her qualified coaches, (A) has grown from a child who was afraid of swim classes, into a swimmer. He loves the water, adores lessons, and now knows 3 strokes. He is like a fish. Despite the love of the water, we decided not to register because he was starting full day kindergarten. He had been in a half day pre-school program up until now and the fear was that it would be far too much for him.

(A) started asking in September. “When can we go back to swim class mommy?”. The same answer kept coming out of my mouth… “In a few months when you are used to the full day, I don’t want you to be too tired.” He kept on asking. Finally, when the latest schedule came out for November-December I gave in and reached out to Ashley.

We had a long conversation and discussed my fear that it would be too much again. Ashley was a great help. We decided that he could continue with lessons, and that instead of twice a week he would just attend once a week. This way he gets some instruction and water time without the two day a week commitment. I understand that this is not the preferred schedule because as with any skill, much more progress comes with repetition.

What is amazing about these fall/winter classes is how few people take advantage. Many of the groups have 1-2 students in them in contrast with the late spring and summer classes where there are 3-4 students per group. There are also a decreased number of groups which means there is more room to swim. This also makes it easier to get your preferred days and times.

(A) has been attending and loving every minute of it. He is getting very individualized attention and despite the limited exposure he is learning. I am more glad that over the winter months he won’t FORGET, what he had already learned, even more so that he will continue to love the water. With the once a week, he looks forward to it every time, it never becomes work and he is reinforcing a life skill that is so very important.

Sign up for the upcoming session begins this week check out the schedule below. Remember if you have a scheduling conflict or concern to reach out to Ashley, as she can work with you. We look forward to seeing you there!!

More information about Condors can be found on their website: www.condors.org

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