Reviews – Page 19 – Rockland NY Mom

Magical Escape Part 2- Review

Posted on July 30, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Money Momma, Reviews, Travel .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as our Money Momma, Jamie was invited for a visit with her family. All opinions expressed are her own.

Mountain Creek Trip PART 2 – CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT

Out of the action and into the relaxation! Just a short mile or so trip down the road the 4 of us left our day of fun and Action Park Waterpark and went to check into our room at Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort. The room we stayed in while skiing (insert link) was perfect and plenty big enough but just to see some more of the features of this beautiful property we chose to stay in a family suite this time. The room was gorgeous with a fully functional kitchen and washer/dryer (lifesaver). The kids had a blast pretending that we moved into a new house and running onto the child safe balcony to see the view of all the pools and the top of the mountains. This is when we turned our attention from adventure to relaxation. The suite allowed (T) and me our own room while the kids had a pullout bed in the living room. There was still plenty of room in the living room to set up a portable bed for (S) who insists he cannot possibly share a bed with his sister.

Since we had our own little kitchen we decided to order in some Italian food and unwind from the day. There are plenty of food options on resort property that we knew we would take advantage of the following day. When we were finished we put the kids back into their bathing suits and headed down to the biosphere (insert link) for a night swim. It seriously feels like it transports you to a tropical island. FYI the biosphere has a retractable roof so even when it’s raining, vacation is still a go!

Thanks to a fun-packed day, staying up late, and a very comfortable hotel room, both kids crashed and slept well through the night.

Being at Mountain Creek and Crystal Springs Resort means there is always something going on for the kids to do. Options include (but are not limited to): swimming in one of the four different pools at the hotel, playing miniature golf, taking a ride on the mountain gondola, or riding a zip-line. We were also excited to see that they have now opened their Mountaintop Adventure center which has a whole other array of activities including; lake swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, and archery.

To make reservations and see for yourself click the ADVENTURE CENTER LINK

After discussing it with the kids we decided that we wanted a day to relax and chose to stay and play at the hotel. It’s like being at a fancy family camp because all day long there are different activities on premise to participate in. Guests are given a schedule and a map upon check-in and the rest is at their leisure. This is really a great tool with a family because not everyone will always want to do the same things or maybe they aren’t old enough to do everything listed. There was something for all age groups. (R) and (S) loved swimming in and out of the pools (yes all four) and playing with the human size chess game. (T) and I took a walk around the beautiful chef’s garden which features outdoor dining with dishes prepared from the food grown RIGHT THERE. It was really cool to see farm to table where one might not expect it and we both agreed that a trip to Mountain Creek without the kids is definitely in order (without a doubt).

Once the kids were done swimming and we enjoyed a lunch that was served poolside on our lounge chairs. The food was reasonably priced and was really delicious. They also have adult beverages available as well as full towel service so there was no need for me to be carrying the bag of towels I had brought (that’s right, less packing mommies!).

With the car loaded up and 2 kids asleep in their car seats we were again grateful for the very short drive home. This whole trip reminded us why Mountain Creek and Crystal Springs Resort remains one of our top choices for a family day trip or getaway!

A reminder that you have until tonight (7/30/15) to enter our Action Park Giveaway for 4 free tickets to Action Park!!! For our Review Click Here!

AMS Balloons- REVIEW!

Posted on July 28, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Party, Reviews, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

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

I love Birthday parties. I am kind of crazy when it comes to planning (just ask RNYD, poor guy). I am not alone, I have seen, attended and heard about the parties that many of you plan (you know who you are). It’s the reason that we have a whole directory page dedicated to the entertainment, venues, favors, and decorations of party planning. This page serves as a resource for parents when planning their own events. I was recently given the opportunity to sit down with one of our listings Adrian from AMS Balloons. Adrian creates custom balloon decorations for your event (and who doesn’t love balloons?).

Using Balloons is a great way to spruce up and decorate a party. They are a very affordable option and have the ability to bring the wow factor with just a few pieces. Adrian takes into account your budget, your theme and your venue to create a special atmosphere that is both beautiful and unique. I was super impressed while looking though his photos (some of which you can see on his Instagram account).

The prices for his services varies by difficulty, and the materials involved. What is very refreshing is that he is super honest, very enthusiastic, and energetic. He beams when he talks about creating balloon decorations. Since I am in party planning mode anyway, we discussed what he would recommend for my children’s parties. I had been ready for him to recommend giant arches and over the top items, and was happily mistaken. He recommended more simple balloon stands and bunches of balloons that were sturdier and more accessible to the young crowd that would be at the party. Great suggestions.

I always do my own balloons, but couldn’t fathom how I would create pillars like he was showing me. It would take me a million years (and quite a bit of money) to try to do it correctly. In fact, when I broke the costs down versus what it costs me to work on my own (very simple and never quite as symmetrical as I would like) balloon décor, Adrian is actually one of the best deals going. It would cost me almost as much to do it on my own, and then there is the time involved.

Adrian is full service. He will contact your venue on your behalf, and work out what times he can access it to begin work. He’s at it early and often, already in high demand and loving every minute. He gets very excited when people call happy with his work, and even more so when someone calls with a special idea or vision. A great example of his depth is his recent work for a first birthday party “O-Fish-Ally-1” with an under the sea theme.

On the other end of his abilities is the simple and elegant pink centerpieces that Adrian recently did for a first birthday party.

I spent an hour sitting with Adrian looking at his photos and discussing his decorating. It was easy and comfortable conversation. I could have listened to him talk about his work all night (that’s how into it he is). I went home and followed him on Instagram just so I can watch and see what he comes out with next.

AMS Balloons (Adrian) can be contacted at (646) 372-3650, or by email at: AMSBALLOONS@gmail.com

Action Park – A Magical Escape- Review!!

Posted on July 27, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Money Momma, Out and about..., Reviews, Travel .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as our Money Momma, Jamie was invited for a visit with her family. All opinions expressed are her own.

From Day Trip to Magical Escape

Action Park at Mountain Creek and Crystal Springs Resort

I’m not exactly sure how and when it happened, but (T) and I woke up recently and realized we no longer have babies; we have 2 KIDS! Somehow with a 4 year old and a 3 year old we have hit a parenting sweet spot where diapers are no longer needed, naps can be skipped if we are having fun, and the kids are ready to try new adventures. This led us to wonder if taking them on a weekend getaway would be easier or if we should just think about day trips. Instead of agonizing over what to do we decided to pick the best of both worlds. We made a summer trip over to Mountain Creek, a place only 55 minutes from our home but one that feels like an island escape.

We started our visit off with a trip to Action Park, the legendary waterpark that is part of the Mountain Creek and Crystal Springs resort property. We had been told that the park was hilly but we were willing to give it a try because the kids had such a great time on our last trip to Mountain Creek during the winter (click here). We had NO ISSUE with any of the hills, and I don’t just mean me. My 3 year old (S) wasn’t struggling, wasn’t complaining, and didn’t get tired. Unless your desire is to ride the absolute tallest of the waterslides, we did not find the park to be any more or less hilly than any other waterpark.

The large area for the children ages 0 to 7ish is actually completely flat with plenty of lounge chairs for the parents. We were able to park our stuff on a chair and let the kids enjoy a combination of waterslides, splash parks, junior lazy rivers, and tube rides all right in the kid’s area.

Both the food and the bathrooms are conveniently located right next to the kids section!!! It’s the little things that make me smile. At one point (R) went down a slide screaming “this is the most fun ever!” and went running back for another turn.

While (T) played with the kids in their special section, I took some time to take a walk around the rest of the park and watched fellow guests enjoying a variety of rides.

There is of course the standard wave pool (which we found very safe considering they require life jackets for under 48 inches and hand them out for free) but there are also some really cool attractions that just cannot be seen anywhere else.

Cliff jump anyone? Self-controlled roller coaster? How about an oversized CONE that sends riders up and down in an inner tube?? Action park had it all (perfect for pre-teens and teens) and even animal shows to boot! (S) couldn’t wait to get to the animal show so (T) took him while I used that time to ride some of the bigger rides with (R) who met the height requirements.

I have to give this park credit on their crowd control. We were there on a Saturday, it was hot and sunny. I could see all the people, and knew it was crowded, but we never waited more than 10 minutes for any ride or had any problems finding a chair. Even the most popular attractions had their lines moving quickly and with tubes immediately available for the next rider. If we wanted, we also could have rented a cabana for the day that was covered in shade either up above or on a small beach. If we had an infant or had traveled with another family that probably would have been the option we went with.

We were able to spend the entire day with plenty to do for the whole family. As we were leaving and discussing a trip back at the end of the summer we saw a sign that said we could apply the price of a day’s ticket to the cost of a season’s pass. The season pass more than pays for itself after 2 visits! Being only a 55 minute drive we will definitely be back, this becomes a great option for a family like ours. However this time we decided we weren’t leaving. We were headed to check into Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort for our overnight and second day of our Mountain Creek getaway!!

Stay tuned to read the next installment of Jamie’s Mountain Creek review. In the meantime Rocklandnymom.com is giving away a family 4 pack to Action Park! To enter comment below and share this post on your Facebook page! Winner will be chosen Thursday evening (7/30/15)!

Money Momma- Dining on a Budget Tip #4

Posted on July 23, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Food, Money Momma, Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as our Money Momma, Jamie was invited for a meal with her family. All opinions expressed are her own.

Tip #4 Keep It Simple

Wayne’s World

It happens to the best of us. We want to cook dinner….we planned to cook dinner. The food is bought. The stove is ready. But we are just….Too….Tired. Or something comes up, we run late, or any other of the thousands of reasons sometimes dinner just cannot get cooked no matter how good my intentions were. Those nights are the nights that are NOT budgeted for and those are the nights that we are really looking for a great deal AND some great food. So tip #4 is to keep it simple. Sometimes the joy in dining out is just to have a simple, relaxed, experience that requires no work on the part of mom and dad. These are the nights that the family should head for a “fast casual” dining option like the new Wayne’s World Pizza, Salad, and Froyo shop in Nanuet.

Wayne’s World can only be described as a “happy place”. There are bright colors and many signs hanging around the well-lit restaurant (not to mention a giant frozen yogurt wall). This is one of the only restaurants I have ever entered where (T) and I would have let our kids dine on the floor without thinking twice. It was that clean! Wayne himself was greeting his customers and the staff was preparing for a children’s softball team to arrive for their end of the year dinner. The table next to us was there to celebrate Grandpa’s birthday.

Wayne’s World is family owned and operated and they genuinely create a happy environment that is community oriented and family focused. Even the chefs and wait staff all seemed to be smiling along with the guests who are dining on a variety of foods like simple pizza, create your own salad bar, traditional Italian dishes, and Wayne’s World originals like a fried mozzarella sandwich and Nutella pizza!

If you are looking to sit down for waiter service the dining room is a fun place to be with large TVs and a view of the pizza oven. There are also stools up front for those just looking to grab a quick slice on their way to their next destination. (R) and (S) were mesmerized by the huge make your own yogurt station and couldn’t wait for their turn at the literal kids candy topping bar. We actually used this as an incentive to get (R) to eat her dinner ;o). It wasn’t even necessary, she loved the pizza and chicken nuggets and asked for another slice of bread!

There was no question in my mind that I wanted to try the make your own salad bar but (T) was stumped. “I like everything on the menu!” he kept declaring. In the end he wound up with some delicious muscles, the homemade meatballs, and a Caesar salad. The meatballs were fabulous (as per (T)) and I was very excited to be able to have a healthy salad dinner that had all the perfect fixins!

We packed up our left overs and let (R) and (S) make their way (Finally) to the yogurt bar. They ran back and forth with their cups trying to decide what flavor to try and what toppings to pick. (R) even made friends with some of the other children in the restaurant who were also creating their own yogurt. Together they set off for a 4 year old’s dream yogurt adventure.

I was way too full for dessert but (T) and the kids ate every last bite. I didn’t have to cook or clean and we all got to eat what we wanted for dinner at a very reasonable price.

Visit Wayne’s World family coupon packs and birthday party deals (this place would be amazing for a team or scout party)! For more information you can check their website www.waynesworldpizza.com or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/waynesworldpizza.

Want to give Wayne’s World a try? RNYM is giving away a $25 gift card to a lucky reader who likes, comments, shares, and/or comments on the blog and shares this post on their facebook timeline!

Finding me Again…

Posted on July 21, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Specialty Items, Thoughts.. .

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

I do a lot of writing, and a lot of reviewing… I find that the most difficult things to write about are those that concern me. Of course, I am human, I am self-conscious, I am not perfect. I do however feel it necessary to share my most recent journey.

A while back I reviewed Fitness Kickboxing NY. I attended 3 classes and wrote about my experience. That was supposed to be it. After the classes were over I found myself upset that I would no longer be going to Fitness Kickboxing. But, I didn’t have the time, I felt guilty being away from the kids… I had all of the usual excuses…. Little did I know that I would enjoy the class so much that I would keep going. At first 2 times a week, and since then it has steadily increased. I am currently attending 5 days a week and missing it when I am not going on weekends.

I love it. I love the challenge, I love the camaraderie, I love the next day soreness, and of course I love the results. In 3 months I have lost 10 lbs (that was before I started behaving myself with my food), and have made VISABLE progress in problem areas. I have had TONS of comments. Friends and family have noticed so often that several of them have started coming with me. My clothing is fitting better, some not so much as I get too small and have to replace it ;0)

As a former athlete, I had basically given in and decided that my new role was as a mom, that I had a “new” body that was softer and rounder. I knew I could lose weight, but being limited as to what I can do as a result of my three knee surgeries, I didn’t think that I would ever return to my former shape. I was very wrong, I needed to find the right exercise. I am strong again. I stand up straighter, I have more confidence.

I have been so happy with my results that I have upped the ante. As a part of my training Amir is now sending me meal plans to follow. These meal plans (lessons on healthy eating that I now use for the whole family) paired with my training will really kick my results into high gear. I am so looking forward to that.

Classes are hard. I sweat (and love every minute). I am usually sore the following day, but I can now hold a plank for 45 seconds+. My muffin top is disappearing, and I am no longer ashamed to swim with my kids. There is also a room full of classmates who push you to make it through, and cheer you on.

Amir listens to his students. When we have a problem area that we would like to work on, he finds a way to build it into that day’s class, or the following day’s class. In fact, today Ashley and I stayed afterwards and completed a portion of a squat challenge together.

I attend the 6 am class. It’s the perfect way to start my day. I end up invigorated and ready to face the world. At the risk of sounding cliché I have to add that the energy built from exercising then carries me through the day. It gives me the necessary release to be happier with everything I do. RNYD is so pleased with my happiness that when I feel like I can’t attend or I have no time, he encourages me to go and happily takes the reigns with the kids. I no longer feel guilty, I now feel as though I am a good role model for my children, it’s important to take care of me too. They are learning through my actions that it’s important to be happy, it’s important to be healthy, it’s important to be active.

Here’s the really hard part…. my results… Here they are (remember I am still working)… while you look, take the time to notice not only how my body is becoming toned, tighter and smaller, but also my face. In April I am exhausted, and red in the face, looking like I am going to drop dead. NOW… sweaty, working hard, but smiling, and enjoying every moment.

Obviously I know that all things don’t work for everyone, for example, I get ridiculously bored riding the bike for long periods of time. I thrive on the dynamic nature of kickboxing. If you are intruigued and would like to give it a try, contact Amir at Fitness Kickboxing and give it a try, 3 trial classes is a mere $20, and it’s a fantastic investment in the most important asset you have, yourself.

For more information on Fitness Kickboxing you can call: 845-653-2488, visit their website: https://www.fitnesskickboxingny.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessKickboxing?fref=ts or follow them on Instagram as well.

The WHOLE Experience at Halfway Acres Farm!

Posted on July 18, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Halfway Acres is a directory member. All opinions expressed are my own.

EVERY year I say I am going to go berry picking, and every year I fail. Which farm to choose? Which weekend to go? Is my child old enough? How is the weather? So many variables that I always end up dropping the ball and not getting it done. I love the idea of fresh berries right off of the plant (I love that idea for all of my food), so every year I say “I am going berry picking”.

Well, when Halfway Acres joined our Day Trips page we threw caution to the wind and went right up there (literally the next day). I am so glad that we did. It’s a fantastic way to spend a morning or afternoon.

We arrived in Campbell Hall, NY (right near Goshen) around 1 pm. When we arrived we were greeted by Michael and Christine (the owners of the farm). Not only do they supply you with different colored buckets to carry your haul in, but they also offered us locally made tick spray (a must). Christine took a moment to explain to our group which berries to pick, based on color. Then we were off to the picking.

The kids ran around from bush to bush. It was difficult to explain to them that we were picking them and putting them into the bucket, not eating as many blueberries as we could find. One thing I was NOT worried about was my kids ingesting all sorts of pesticides and unnatural things. Halfway Acres does NOT spray or use fertilizers of ANY kind. These berries are as God made them and that’s what I want my kids eating.

Speaking of eating, if you have never had a REAL fresh blueberry, you have no idea what you have been missing. The ones you buy from the supermarket are good (or so you thought), but once you have had one of these your experience will never be the same. These berries truly are nature’s candy. They are plump and firm and sweet and so, so good.

We picked for 2 ½ hours before we finally filled our buckets. This would have been a great time for us to have a snack or a lunch if we had brought it with us. Michael and Christine have some lovely patio tables set up for just this purpose.

Once finished with our picking we headed over to have our berries weighed and purchase our harvest. As a group WE PICKED 9 lbs of BERRIES! It sounds like too much, but it so wasn’t. While we were weighing and paying Christine gave the kiddies ice pops (they were so excited, and she made them ask permission first). I asked how much I owed them for the ice pops, and she replied that they were free, FREE! How lovely.

The kids and I used the on-site porta-potty before heading back home and YES it is super clean!! I would actually have to report that it was my best porta-potty experience to date.

This experience doesn’t really end at the farm. I had all of these yummy berries to play with and was almost a little worried that I could never use them all and some might go to waste (BTW all unfounded worries they were gone two days later). We made French toast with berries on top, ate them as snacks, had blueberry pancakes, and I made whole-wheat blueberry muffins (Click Here) that were so good (E) was stealing them off the counter, and RNYD had one and said “Now that’s a blueberry muffin.”

I love what Christine and Michael are doing, and so do they. As they gain popularity they have plans to create a little shop and place for visitors to perhaps eat some blueberry delicacies. I for one cannot wait. We will absolutely be back. This was an afternoon of good wholesome fun, in the sun. It’s a lesson in healthy snacking, and it was a chance to meet and get to know some truly lovely people.

For more information about Halfway Acres Farm you can visit their website at http://halfwayacres.com/ and follow them on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/halfwayacres. The blueberry picking season at Halfway Acres is only 6-7 weeks long and runs from late June, through July and sometimes into the first week of August. But it’s better to arrive at the farm in early to mid-July (that’s now) when it’s prime season before the supply begins to dwindle. Being that the berries are left in their natural state, one never knows how long the berries will last and if you wait too long then they just might be gone before you get there!

Condors Swimming- Summer Session 1 REVIEW

Posted on July 16, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

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

I promised further updates on (A)’s progress with the Condors so here we are.

I feel like I just wrote about Condors but as I mentioned last time, the summer sessions are two weeks 4 days a week. We just completed session 1 and had to continue on. Here’s why…

In his first month (A) overcame his fear of lessons and began putting strokes together and put his head under the water.
In his second month, (A) was able to swim a few strokes on his own with his head under water.
In our third session (A) has made the most amazing strides. Now that he has all of the basics down, the teachers are working on fine tuning. He has learned how to turn his head to the side when swimming freestyle. He has learned how to float and swim on his back unassisted, and they have introduced him to a THIRD stroke. The breast stroke.

(A)’s instructor teaches him the leg portion of the breast stroke.

I am impressed EVERY DAY when we attend classes. He made me buy him some goggles so that he can see with his head under water. I should mention as an aside that his teacher has the patience of a saint as he readjusts the goggles that constantly fill with water. I have NEVER had to drag him to a lesson. He smiles through the whole time and then begs for more.

(A)’s instructor fixes his goggles (again).

What has really blown me away is not just what happens in lessons. It’s what occurs when we are swimming for leisure. Safety is of course our foremost concern. Both of (A)’s grandparents have pools that we frequent. Although he is now tall enough to stand in the shallow ends we have always been and remain super careful. He hasn’t been really confident or able to swim, UNTIL NOW.

The kids sit together ready to jump into Gran and Grandpa’s pool.

This past weekend he shocked us (totally in a good way). He swam unassisted in the shallow end and then eager to show off his new skills, he jumped into the deep end (of course under supervision) and swam to the edge without assistance, SEVERAL TIMES. We are ALWAYS diligent about pool safety, but there is a lot of relaxation that occurred within me when I realized that he was able to swim to the side on his own.

(A) swims by himself while supervised (that’s the deep end).

Ashley was right from our first conversation. After about 3 sessions (sessions I should explain were months, and now two weeks at a time), he will be able to swim. He’s not perfect by any means and still has work to do. He needs to perfect his breathing and continue on his form. I absolutely trust that he will under the tutelage of the Condors instructors.

(A) really loves class and as long as he does we will continue. I have no Olympic aspirations for my son (even though that would be really fabulous) but what he has already gained from his experience with the Condors is priceless. RNYD and I have already discussed when (E) will begin (next September when she is 3). After watching (A) progress we know it is a must.

(A)’s biggest fan watches him swim, and looks forward to when she too can take lessons with the Condors.

For video of (A)’s latest progress visit our YouTube Channel (both in class and in his Gran’s pool).

For more information on Condors Swimming visit their website at: http://www.condors.org or email them at lessons@condorsswimming.com. Summer sessions are limited, there is still time to register for (most of) session 2 and all of session 3.

Money Momma-Eating on a Budget- Tip #3

Posted on July 15, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Contests, Food, Money Momma, Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as our Money Momma, Jamie was invited for a meal with her family. All opinions expressed are her own.

Tip #3 – Make it a guy thing… or a girl thing

But DON’T bring everyone. Yes, I meant to say that. Not everyone in every family likes the same types of foods, making it difficult to expand the list of restaurants that work for your home. This actually can be turned into a “special” experience and save your family a little bit of money in the process. (T) loves to eat ribs and always begs me to go to Tony Romas on kids eat free night (Tuesday). I am not a huge meat eater and I don’t even have to look at a menu to know that there is not one single thing (R) will like. It’s a dilemma that every family has. No one wants to spend money dining out if not everyone is going to love the food. The solution… make it a guys night! Or a girls night… but don’t worry about splitting the family!! (R) and I will stay home, eat grilled cheese and do each others nails. (T) and (S) are off to the all mighty dinner experience at Tony Romas. The best part? Both kids think they are getting special time with us while we are only spending HALF of what we would normally spend on dinner. Since Tony Romas runs PLENTY of family specials all week long, it seemed fitting that the guys make a trip there during the Money Mommas dining on a budget series. (for purposes of writing this piece, I did attend the “guys night”)

We were seated right away despite the fact that we arrived at prime dinner time on a Saturday night. (S) was presented with a Kid’s menu that came with a pack of crayons so he could work his way through the pictures and games. I was pleasantly surprised by how big the booths were! I was carrying 3 people’s umbrellas, my usual mom bag, and a big bag of pillows that we had just purchased. Everything fit with lots of room to spare. The restaurant was packed with families. It was like a date night where kids are allowed. The atmosphere was festive yet calm, with a view to people watch in the mall if you desire. The wait staff was great with little (S) (age 3), even pausing to let him place his own drink order (lemonade of course). All of these points are great,but the real highlight of Tony Romas is basic… the food is delicious!

When ordering a main entree at Tony Romas, 2 sides come with the meal AT NO EXTRA COST! This is unusual for a steak house. Frequently, the sides are sold separately at an ala carte price. We asked them to bring out the sides on separate dishes so we could all taste a little of everything (no problem). (T) and (S) had a grand ol time eating their ribs together, which I should point out were two different types of sauces…one on each end. They actually have 7 sauces to choose from and (T) had a difficult time making up his mind! I’m not sure it really mattered though as most of the sauce wound up on (S)’s face as (T) taught him to eat ribs like a “man”. Tony Romas is well known for their steaks so I had the filet and I was not disappointed. In fact, I ate almost the entire thing. So much for me not being much of a meat eater. By the time I looked up the boys had finished a full rack of ribs and were wiping their hands and mouths with the warm, wet towels our waitress had brought over. I’m not sure where either of them found room to put it all considering they worked their way through a plate of calamari and an onion loaf earlier. That was the first time (S) had seen an onion loaf and every time he took a bite he clapped his hands.

The desert menu says it’s mini desserts but their was nothing mini about them! I can’t even imagine how big the full size must be. (T) and I devoured the red velvet cake, New York style cheesecake, and chocolate brownie in no time. All the of the cakes at Tony Romas are from Juniors bakery.

Tony Romas is now a definite family pick when we are looking to go somewhat more upscale, remain family friendly, and still know we are getting great value! Remember kids eat free every Tuesday and there are daily happy hour specials during the week.

Want to give Tony Romas a try? Now is your chance to win! Go to Rocklandnymom FB page, like, comment and share this post (or comment here) for a chance to win $25 toward a meal at Tony Romas!

Money Momma Eating on a Budget- Tip #2-

Posted on July 7, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Food, Money Momma, Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as our Money Momma, Jamie was invited for a meal with her family. All opinions expressed are her own.

Tip #2 – Try new places when the kids can eat for free

Every family has one; the picky eater. The one you have to always make sure you have a granola bar and apples for just in case they would rather starve than eat whatever you have given them for dinner. In our family, this title belongs to 4 year old (R) and most meals end with me sweating and her telling me she isn’t hungry. This puts a damper on any type of new dining experience because we do not want to pay for a dinner (R) will refuse to eat. Our solution to this predicament? Try new places on the nights kids can eat for free with a purchase of an adult meal.

(R) my picky eater.

This past week we put this plan to work as we went for the first time to Stir Crazy in Palisades Mall. This experience can only be described as fun fun fun!!! From the cool Asian decor to the fact that the main meal is a create-your-own stir fry event that the customer WATCHES them cook, this restaurant just screams to families for a great time. There are weekly chances to try it as kids EAT FOR FREE every Tuesday and Thursday with the purchase of an adult meal and beverage.

When we arrived the first thing we noticed were the stroller parking and special high chairs that accommodate infant carseats. This is such a convenience for us when we have the stroller for (S). It also proves to me that they are prepared to serve young children. (R) and (S) had a great time running from statue to statue trying to count how many Buddha’s they could find. We were a little bit worried about a melt down because (R) had been to 2 birthday parties that day and was exhausted. (R) was completely occupied the whole time watching the chefs cooking through a glass window that she didn’t even remember that she was tired. The drinks the kids ordered came with giant twisty straws that they had to figure out how to untwist. This was another child geared detail that we all enjoyed.

As the kids worked on their straws, (T) and I looked over the menu and listened to our waiter explain the dishes. Suffice it to say, there are a number of unique dishes on this menu that cannot be found elsewhere and it turns out EVERYTHING on the menu can be customized. The happy sounds coming from our fellow diners confirmed that the food was as good as it looked. As always, I paid close attention to the kid’s menu making sure that there was at least one thing that (R) might eat. (S), being a more adventurous eater, chose the ninja noodles (which he called ninja turtle noodles) and we convinced (R) to take a bite. I was ready to get right into our main course (which could be called an event) but (T) was dying to try the crazy shrimp appetizer. This dish is such a customer favorite that when it left the menu for a short time, it had its own write in campaign to bring it back. (T) says he can tell why people missed it!

(T) enjoys the shrimp!

Ninja Noodles

Finally the main event! Our waiter arrived with our personal woks and we made our way to the stir fry bar. We piled our woks high with fresh vegetables, multiple Asian treats, and a variety of sauces. Creators also get to choose their meat and select a base (rice, lomein, pad thai noodles, etc), all of which were as fresh as the vegetables. Then it’s show time! The Chef takes over and the cooking, complete with exploding fire, takes place right before our eyes. We held up (R) and (S) who were mesmerized by the show. (R) was so enticed that she asked to eat some of my noodles when we got back to the table! We could tell the kids had fun because as we were packing up to leave (S) went running up to the table next to us and informed them quite loudly that “Budhas have big bellies!!”.

Stir Crazy is an excellent place to try with the whole family and T and I will certainly be back… on a Tuesday or a Thursday when our kids eat for free!

Stir Crazy is giving one lucky RNYM reader a chance to create their own stir fry. For a chance to win a $30 gift card to Stir Crazy go to Rocklandnymom facebook page, like this post, comment with STIR FRY and share this on your timeline.

Stay tuned for Jamie’s full list of both free and kids meal deals due out soon!!!

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

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