Reviews – Page 22 – Rockland NY Mom

Gotta Have Faith!

Posted on March 31, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to a session with Jennifer Tesker Photography. All opinions expressed are my own.

I started my relationship with Jennifer Tesker Photography back in October when she joined our Photographers Directory. We planned our session for the spring minis and since then I have been waiting and watching. If you follow photographers on Facebook, it is truly amazing to see their work. Watching Jennifer’s has been a true pleasure. As time passed, I was more and more excited to visit her with the kiddies.

As always I spent hours trying to pick out the perfect outfit, messaging poor Jennifer back and forth. She was always so lovely about it (even though I think I would drive myself crazy). I had great difficulty picking out the perfect dress for (E) and she told me not to worry she had plenty of things that she could wear. Boy she wasn’t kidding (E proceeded to have 3 wardrobe changes, which is awesome as E can be a diva). Gotta have faith in your photographer.

(E) in her Easter Dress.

Outfit number 2 (one of Jennifer’s).

La piece de resistance! (Also Jennifer’s)

Walking into Jennifer’s studio is like dress up and toy heaven. My kids were amazed and so was I. They went right to playing and despite my wanting to stop them Jennifer encouraged it, quietly watching and determining what types of tools she could use with the kiddies. There were so many choices for hair bows and tu-tus, and ruffles. Then there was the chairs, boxes, baskets and delivery truck, forget it my kids were obsessed. Specifically (A) needed to get his hands on that delivery truck.

Well you can see we put poor Jennifer through the ringer. WE had a blast and I hope she did too. (A) even made a play date with Jennifer and her two lovely girls. There were a few times that I got super nervous about the session. (A) and (E) were not cooperating the way I would have liked, one smiled when the other decided to sit, the other. One slouched while the other kept getting up from the chair… and one is of an age where you can reason, while the other listens mostly. I tried not to get frustrated with them but I was nervous. How am I supposed to review a session if my children aren’t cooperating? Gotta have faith in your photographer.

Jennifer handled it all with amazing grace. She found ways to get them to cooperate, she learned from each and every one of their movements their personalities and used it (right down to the sweet, sweet photo of my darling daughter in a tu-tu and cowboy boots, the one where she is holding Skye her favorite pup, and the money truck shot). She reassured me that she got some amazing shots and she was so right. As I wrung my hands together for the few days it too her to edit (was super quick), she calmly edited and then put up the teasers on her Facebook page that would set my nerves at ease.

The Sibling Teaser

(A)’s single teaser.

The Diva (yeah those are her boots, she had to wear them that day).

When taking a 4.5 year old and a 21 month old for photos you have to be prepared for the best and the worst. They never seem to stop, how could someone possibly. Gotta have faith in your photographer.

My Perfect Easter Photo <3

Another adorable single.Too sweet (notice the change in hair pieces, those are Jennifer’s too).

How does one measure success? I would say one good shot of the pair, and one good one of each. These go far beyond that. Despite my worries, the pictures are amazing.

The money shot. (A) is so in love with this, that when he saw it he kissed the screen, and then said he wanted it put up in his room… Wait, a photo that not only I love but my kids do too??

I like pictures, his wish is my command.

Due to the high demand of her spring minis Jennifer has just opened up another date with limited bookings.

The other special that she is currently running is for Communions, very limited bookings:

If you are interested in booking a session with Jennifer Tesker Photography contact her at:

www.JenniferTeskerPhotography.com

www.Facebook.com/JenniferTeskerPhotography

JenniferTeskerPhotography@gmail.com

Phone: 845-268-3846 (best is email)

Kickin’ It!

Posted on March 16, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to a class at Fitness Kickboxing. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kickboxing…. It’s not something I ever saw myself doing. Working out yes, kickboxing no. It just never registered with me as something I might want to try. So, naturally when Fitness Kickboxing invited me to try out a trial session (actually 3 sessions, I’ll explain later) I was intrigued, and nervous. As a soccer player I am admittedly spastic with my hands and arms in general and I was afraid that 1. I was too out of shape and 2. I would look really stupid.

Saved by one of RNYM’s newest employees. Ashley has been attending Kickboxing since October, and she has lost 21 lbs working with Amir. This didn’t get me off the hook mind you, I still had to do the class (Amir wanted me to know about it first hand). That’s ok, admittedly I NEED to work out. But I took pictures of her doing it because she is experienced, and well, I rarely let anyone else touch my camera.

Meet Amir.

I can say with confidence that I am super glad that she got me to come. I haven’t felt this strong and aware of my body in a long time. I am actually going back this Wednesday for my second of 3 sessions. One of the things that I was really nervous about was looking stupid in a class full of people who had been doing this a long time. What is nice is that Amir and the attendees have created an atmosphere of support and family. There was no competition to be the best, everyone was friendly and helpful. When I asked if I could take photos, they all said no problem, I took that as a good sign, and they weren’t worried about having their pictures taken all sweaty. My kind of people.

A photo of the class as they work on some strengthening.

Training felt a little like college preseason. Muscles burning, I may have wanted to throw up once or twice, but it was different. Instead of my coach yelling at me to move it or push harder, Amir walked around and encouraged us in a positive manner and even offered modifications for those of us who were terribly out of shape and had difficulty with some of the positions. Class was fast paced, and there was always something to do. Amir was targeting (at the classes request) bums and abs. When we weren’t on the bag or gloves, we had exercises to do. It was a lot like circuit training, you work all the necessary parts but in different ways. I like that, no time to get bored.

Ashley at the bag.

Water breaks were readily available, and as we worked Amir walked around encouraging us and correcting our form. The encouragement became really important toward the end (I never knew that punching or kicking for 30 second intervals could be so exhausting). At the end of class everyone high fives to say well done (it sounds so cheesy written down, but it was awesome and relevant). It totally reminded me of the way my collegiate teammates cheered one another on, a real family.

Amir gives Ashley a hand while I take some photos.

It wasn’t until class was over that I found event more really great information about Amir and his program. This is when I was informed that the trial is actually 3 sessions. What does he charge for this intro? $20, not $20 per session, $20 for all 3. The reasoning behind this is that although I feel good after 1 class, apparently you feel soooo much more amazing after 3 (I will keep you updated). This is when I got really nervous, (A) had been upset that I had to leave in the evening and I told Amir so. So he invited him to class. Yeah that’s how family oriented he is. Moms and Dads are encouraged to bring their kids to observe, and read or color on the side. He feels it is important for them to observe their parents taking care of themselves, and he is right. In fact, both Ashley and I will be bringing our kids tonight.

Amir’s services don’t stop there, he isn’t just there to train you and send you home. His philosophy is that you have to train the whole person. You need to work on positive thinking, and change the way you eat, exercise alone won’t make the body changes most people are looking for. This makes me excited, because a good workout always makes me want to eat better, I start feeling good. Amir does it all, he helps with nutrition plans, offers eating advice, measures and takes pictures of you to help you along the way. In fact, he is so full service that you can send him pictures of what you are eating for him to comment on. He utilizes his social media accounts (twitter, Instagram, and FB) to promote healthy living and encourage you on your way. Last week he had to cancel a class for snow, and posted Homework for those who wanted to get a good workout in anyway.

Ashley and I take a moment to pose together after class.

I stayed behind and spoke with Amir for an hour but it could have been much longer (I had promised (A) that I would be home to tuck him in so I was already in trouble). I love what he was saying. Positivity from all around. Eat well, live well, train well. Teach your children to do the same. Come work together as a family. All right on, all exactly what I personally need. I am looking forward to tonight and my next session.

If you have been on the fence about starting an exercise program I highly recommend Fitness Kickboxing. It’s difficult to really explain how I feel, but it is way different than I used to feel when I went to the gym on my own to work out. I feel like I have purpose. I have teammates. I’m looking forward to my return as opposed to dreading going and doing the same old thing. I am excited to see what we will do today, and if my stamina has increased. OH speaking of which, for those of you who love those crazy running races, he has a Spartan class too.

Amir’s Newest Special!

How do you get started?? Just come down to a class (click here for full schedule) and sign up for a 3 class trial. Even if you only stayed for the 3 classes $20 is a heck of a deal, but I think you will end up sticking around for more.

Introducing the New Early Childhood Center

Posted on March 11, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Childcare/Pre-School, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. This article is meant to be informative and make people aware of the programs offered at the JCC Early Childhood Center. It is as always up the parent to do their research and choose the appropriate facility for their needs.

I had the extreme pleasure of going to the JCC Rockland in West Nyack earlier this month to meet Miriam Pedler the director of the new Deborah Koenig Early Childhood Center.

Its a big responsibility to be asked to check out a school or childcare and I was admittedly nervous. I was immediately put at ease. I decided to approach the situation as if I myself was looking for a place for my own children. How better to do that? I asked you all what you look for in an early childhood center.

Health and Safety- As parents in the modern world this is a huge worry even though it used to be the “safe” place that we sent them. Miraim has of course taken this into consideration. The entrance to the Early Childhood Center is locked and you cannot enter without being buzzed in. As far as cleanliness was concerned, when I took my tour it was extremely clean. Furthermore, as I am obsessed with good habits of cleanliness I am happy to report that while I was there, I observed a teacher helping a young man blow his nose and then wash his hands (she asked him what he needed to do next and he told her). Curriculum– Miriam is insistent that people know her program is not babysitting (she’s right). There is great evidence of care by the teachers, I got to poke my head into the infant room where a teacher was rocking a baby girl like she was her own, but also evidence of curriculum being followed and educational goals being met. I saw story time, arts and crafts (literacy themed), and work displayed with more of the same. Your Needs– Miriam is so in tune with parents and interested in creating a caring environment that is easy for parents, that she created a special “parking area” for your child carriers and strollers. Your stroller is parked under your baby carrier for ease of entrance and exit. Oh and the way they hang, means that your carrier isn’t touching the floor. Communication– The staff sends home daily notes for their infants as well as regular text messages and pictures. They have plans to switch over to an “app” where parents will be able to tap into real time information about their children. There is also a newsletter that is sent home, and teachers give daily feedback as they see parents at drop off and pick up. Long story short, I was impressed at what I saw. I am confident that they would make the short list of schools I was looking into if I was currently searching. It seems I am not the only one. As it is still fairly new, there has been enough interest that they are working on building more rooms to accommodate the demand, because Miriam is adamant that the numbers in the room stay small and personal.

For more information about the Deborah Koenig Early Childhood Center at the JCC Rockland please contact Miriam Pedler at miriamp@jccrockland.org or call her at 845-362-4400.

Birthdate Envy

Posted on March 6, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Reviews, We're Having a Party .

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

My kids have summer birthdays June and July. I consider myself very lucky, because I have always just had a party in the back yard for them. I tend to go a little nuts but that’s on my own. I have friends who are not so lucky. They have kiddies who have winter birthday parties and although they would love to host a party at their homes, they cannot get that many people into their home and still have all the fun and games that they would like to (although many of them have done a great job). They have called it “birthdate envy”. Here’s a solution.

My Sweet Pea in New City now has a party room downstairs. It’s a good size room with many possibilities, and Sheri (the owner) rents it out for parties. You can book a party package where Sheri takes care of everything, or if you are like me (a little neurotic, type A) you can simply rent the room and do all of your crazy planning and activities on your own.

A lengthwise view of the large room. There is even enough space to have multiple areas set up for different activities.

One of the back sections that could be utilized.

I know what you are saying, there are lots of rooms for rent around Rockland County, this isn’t new. What is new and nice? It’s not super expensive. It’s an AFFORDABLE room to rent in Rockland County to throw a party. I have had to rent rooms and looking for one that is affordable is a real pain.

Since the room was acquired it has been used for classes, seminars, parties, workshops… the possibilities are endless. Some who have booked it and had successful events, have already booked it for another upcoming event. It’s also available often, or was because not too many people knew about it until now.

Two examples of gatherings that have already been held at My Sweet Pea are:

If you are interested in booking the downstairs of My Sweet Pea email Sheri at MySweetPeaStore@yahoo.com or Call the store 845-638-2229 (BABY).

Icing Smiles

Posted on March 3, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Good Cause, Reviews, Specialty Items, We're Having a Party .

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

One of the things I love about small local businesses is the way they all come together to help the community. Of course they do, they live here. So many of the RNYM businesses give back it would be impossible to list them all (if you are ever in need of one, contact me).

When I met Gilda Burke of Jolirose Cake Shop we were working together on Gabi’s “Party of a Lifetime”. her creation blew me away. So much so that when I needed a smash cake for (E)’s first birthday photo-shoot I went straight to her.

(E)’s smash cake session. Photo Credit: Honeybee Photography NY

So, after almost a year of our professional relationship (and tons of well deserved accolades later), I find out that she also participates in Icing Smiles, a program that brings amazing cakes to very sick children. Not just ANY cake, their dream cake, and if you’ve ever seen her work, you know that’s just what it will be.

Gilda with one of her award winning creations.

A highly acclaimed and published piece Gilda did for Wedding Chicks Blog. Photo credit: Stefy Hilmer Photography.

To request a “smile” is easy. You just go to their website and click on the button. You fill out a request and viola, one less thing for a family to worry about. Sometimes the best thing for a sick kiddo is to feel a little “normal”, but its one of the hardest things for the parents to do with so much on their plate. You do not have to be the parent of a sick child to request one. If you know someone in need you can nominate them to receive one. Talented cake artists like Gilda will create a beautiful masterpiece that may help everyone to forget their worries and enjoy a moment of time.

Major restructuring of our “For a Good Cause” page is underway. I will be updating it with awesome programs like this for people who need it. Check back soon for a newer page that serves our community!!

Purim Palooza- A JCC Character Event

Posted on March 2, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Reviews, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to attend the Purim Palooza. All opinions expressed are my own.

We NEEDED to get out this weekend. Like so many others we have CABIN FEVER! (Time to start taking advantage of our own events board). This weekend we had a chance to.

This event screamed of fun, from flyer to fruition. You dress up and mingle with awesome characters, play, eat, dance and more!!! (A) and I were excited at the chance to wear his Halloween costume again, and (E) was also excited to dress up (now old enough to pick which dress she wore, it was super cute).

We had a BLAST! There were so many things to do that we got home an BOTH kiddos napped ((A) gave his up a while ago so this was a pleasant surprise).

Let’s talk Highlights:

There was so much food. Choices to make everyone happy, and extra seating in another room.
Loved that there was a coat check and I didn’t have to carry them around.
2 Bounce houses, no crazy lines.

Creative and Crafty stations to please everyone.

Fun Games

(A) adored the archery station.

This poor volunteer played with (E) for what seemed like hours, so patiently.

Great music the whole time.

(E) cutting a rug.

Super Popular Characters- Ana, Elsa, Olaf, Doc McStuffins, a Minion (thanks Glamour Girls a RNYM directory member), plus you were given an autograph book to have them fill out when you entered..

The JCC threw one heck of a party. We had an amazing time. My only regret is that when we first got there I didn’t see the Characture station, if I had I would have jumped on it. By the time I realized where it was there was a long line so we had to bypass it (next time I will go there first). We left with full bellies having had a fantastic time.

I cannot wait for the next time that they have an event, I highly recommend it. Make sure to keep checking back here, because we will absolutely be updating you on any event that they run!!

Mountain Creek, Take us Away!

Posted on February 24, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Money Momma, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Jamie was invited to visit Mountain Creek. All opinions are our own.

As any parent knows, traveling with a 4 year old and a 2.5 year old is usually the opposite of relaxing. Just thinking about a long car trip or worse yet, flying with my kids, is usually enough to get me worked into a full tizzy before I have even begun the process of packing the entire family. Of course we love the actual experience of being away and making family memories, but the travel part is just down right dreadful. This past weekend, (T) and I found our solution to this problem at Mountain Creek Ski Resort in Hamburg New Jersey (ps- did you know they have tons of fun for summer time too?)!

Mountain Creek resort is an absolute perfect get-away for families in the lower New York and New Jersey areas. From my home it was roughly an hour and ten minute drive but we felt like we were literally miles and miles away. There are several hotels to choose from but because of the close distance, Mountain Creek also makes an excellent day trip. Since we wanted a real get-away experience, we chose to stay overnight at the Grand Cascades Lodge. When we arrived at the hotel we noticed had a very Colorado type feel. (T) is an avid skier who has been to ski resorts all over the country and even he was commenting on how pretty the grounds were. (R) and (S) immediately ran up to sit by the fireplace and enjoy the views of the mountains while I checked in and was given an introduction to the different activities that would be going on throughout our stay (click here to check them out in advance). There was so much to choose from besides just skiing that (T) and I had a hard time deciding what (R) and (S) would like the best. The room itself continued with the western decor and it overlooked an indoor/outdoor pool that was nice and warm. Honestly though, I didn’t care what the room looked like. The best part of this room for me is that we COMFORTABLY fit 2 queen beds, a pack-n-play for (S), a changing area for (S), and all 4 suitcases. It was also very clean with amazing tempurpedic beds. The room was clearly designed with families in mind.

After dropping off our suitcases, the 4 of us set off to tour the hotel and have dinner in the Crystal Tavern, one of several on-site restaurants. It was a fun walk we passed a candy shop and even let R and S pick out their dessert before having dinner. The restaurant itself is a little bit upscale, but still packed with families. This was a comforting sight to us because it meant we were going to get to enjoy some good food and drinks and not have to worry if our kids were disrupting other diners. The menu had something for everybody, including a great kids menu. (R) and (S) got a big kick out of the chairs. They were large and the restaurant uses big pillows as their booster seats. Both (R) and (S) were pretending to be king and queen as they sipped their strawberry smoothies and ate their grilled cheese sandwiches (all those choices and that is what they wanted). After dinner and dessert we headed off to an outdoor marshmallow roast for the kids around a warm camp fire right outside on the balcony of the hotel. There is also a family movie night with popcorn 7 nights a week. There is no lack of child friendly evening activities. (R) and (S) both slept well (always a worry when away) and were up and ready for the ski lesson the next morning.

(T) fluffs Queen (R)’s pillow at dinner.

We headed around the bend for a ten minute drive to the mountains for skiing. It was a very easy drive and parking was free. Note to families with younger children: the walk from the parking lot to the ski lodge is long and not stroller friendly. There is a shuttle bus that can take you but the best idea is to drop off all the kids and equipment with one adult while another parks the car.

Once we got to the lodge we went to rent some skis for (T). The line moved very quickly because everything is electronic. In fact, one can reserve their rental and fill out their information online prior to even arriving at the lodge. Once (T) was suited up and ready to ski, we went over to the Kids Kamp to drop (R) off for her lesson. We were very impressed with the way Mountain Creek handled ski camp for the kids. It was a drop off program which eliminated the stress for us of getting her into all of her equipment and out onto the slopes. They fit her for everything, got her geared up, and brought her out onto the training area to get started. There is both full day and half day camp to choose from. Unfortunately, at age 2 and a half, (S) was too young to participate and too young to go up on the bunny hills with (T). He would enjoy playing in the snow and looking at all the cool sights. I was very comfortable with the child to instructor ratio. There were plenty of kids in the camp but each instructor was responsible for only 2 young skiers, which meant the kids were both safe and learning. The kids were also broken up by skill level which allowed the instructors to really focus on progressing each child. Parents were allowed to stay and watch if they wanted. (R) progressed through each phase of ski camp and by the end even had enough self-confidence to let go of the instructor and ski by herself. (R) reported that she had a great time, but that the best part was hot chocolate at the end with her new friends (my social butterfly). She was returned to us back in her own shoes and with a report card to let us know how she did. We had the option of keeping her equipment for the rest of the day at no extra cost but we returned it since we knew we would be hitting the biosphere after lunch.

(R) all ready for her lesson!

While (R) was enjoying Kids Kamp, (T) went to ski the black diamond slopes and reports back that Mountain Creek has nice runs. He was also happy to see that the mountain uses half gondolas. Not only does that get him up faster, it means they are aware that there are a lot of families and a gondola is better for a group than a chair lift. After everyone was done with their skiing and lessons, we headed off to lunch in the lodge, which had both a cafeteria and several restaurants to choose from. There was plenty more to do at Mountain Creek’s main area like snow tubing, obstacle courses, night skiing, snowboarding shows, and more, but we had a different plan in mind.

Beautiful outdoor fire pit.

Think of the coolest indoor pool you have ever been to then combine it with feeling like you are swimming in a Hawaiian lagoon. That’s what it was like to swim in the Grand Cascade’s biosphere. The giant pool was warm, surrounded by rocks, gorgeous foliage, an indoor swim up aquarium, with a water-slide. (R) and (S) jumped right into the water with us right behind. The kids were so excited to get to “swim with the flowers” they called it. I was happy that the water was warm and it was a very relaxing atmosphere. They provided us with towels and locker rooms so there was no need for me to schlep around anymore of our belongings. The kids were absolutely mesmerized by the indoor/outdoor pool. The pool was set to a temperature of 96 degrees and allowed us to swim in the snow!! (R) and (S) had never seen anything like it before and it for those who have never tried it, it’s a really cool experience.

We were sad when our little getaway came to an end. (R) and (S) made us promise to bring them back in the summer to experience the water-park and zip-line. We headed out around 5pm and were back home in time to make dinner that night. What was really great was that throughout our visit we noticed many different groups of people there, not just families, this is a getaway perfect for any stage (young adults, singles, couples, and families! Mountain Creek Resort is a great place to visit!

All tuckered out and ready to head home.

Made it through the whole review? You will be glad that you did….. How about a lift ticket give-away (we have 3 we will be giving away!)? Go to our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/rocknyom and “like, comment and share on this post” to be entered. Don’t have Facebook ( they are not affiliated with the giveaway)? We still love you. Comment on our Become A Part of RYNM page and tell us your favorite part of our site!

My Old House

Posted on February 11, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Reviews, Thoughts.. .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions are my own. As always it is suggested that you do your own research before hiring someone to work on your home.

I bought an old house. Built in 1952 I wouldn’t really have it any other way. I have a love/hate relationship with my house. We bought it because it has amazing bones. Everything is super strong, well built, it has great size rooms, and a nice large lot. Since we have moved in we have spent a lot of time updating and personalizing the house. We have refinished the floors, replaced the windows, updated the kitchen, replaced doors, fixed the landscaping, created a playroom, fixed the front stoop….. the list goes on and on. I’ve done a lot of work, and I’ve dealt with a lot of contractors.

Although I have done tons of work and learned a lot what I can say is that I haven’t been happy enough with work that was done to have them come back for the next project. Like so many other families out there I ask for nothing less than to have a great contractor who is available, listens, isn’t put off by a smaller job, and does fantastic work. Maybe just one who calls back when you need an estimate, or one who would drop everything to come and shovel your roof when you simply post on Facebook that your playroom is leaking… I found that contractor.

This past summer I needed to redo my bathroom. My ONLY FULL bathroom. Naturally this scared the heck out of me. Especially with two small children. I knew that this had to be a great job because the likelihood that my husband will ever want to do this again is slim to none. Joe Moore was recommended to me by a friend and I took a chance. Boy am I glad I did.

I am not completely sure where to begin, but you need to know what we are dealing with here. My bathroom was PINK AND BURGUNDY from floor to ceiling. I had a soffit that made showering a cave like experience. No storage space, and not enough light to put on my makeup, or pluck my eyebrows. The kicker? It was built like Fort Knox. No seriously, the crew was amazed and impressed. Plaster, cast iron, the works.

It was a gut job. Joe made sure that the house was protected. They were clean, without having to be reminded by me or by Joe. Every person in my house was respectful, pleasant, clean, a specialist in their area, and became like family. In the two weeks that they were in my home, they showed my son everything that they did with enthusiasm and patience. They didn’t charge me overtime and overcame obstacles with grace and speed (like when the local store ordered the tub with the drain in the wrong spot and all of the plumbing had to be moved).

The work was excellent. We were concerned with keeping with the homes quality and construction. We wanted plaster put back. He’s got a great guy for that. I had intricate plans for the tile work, and since it was my only full bath, I wanted it all, granite, crown molding, more light, a nice medicine cabinet. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. What I will add is that Joe and his crew went out of their way to make it the bathroom of my dreams. They did it well, with style, and all the while keeping me and my family in mind. What’s even better? Two super important points. It was affordable ( you should see some of the quotes that I had gotten), and when I had a question about something later on that I wanted to add to the room, I didn’t have to wait a month for Joe to come, check it out, and make it exactly how I wanted it.

The greatest compliments I can give?

I recommended him to my mother.
I recommended him to all of my friends.
I called him to come back for some odds and ends that I need done.
I’m booking him to finish my whole basement.
This post is unsponsored, I just thought that everyone deserved to know about him.

To contact Joe Moore for a quote please call him at (845) 598-4457. If you would like to see some samples of his work check out his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Moore-Construction/284376468419951 .

Every Mom Needs… A Good Bag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yummy Cookies, and Chocolate Oh My!

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

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

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

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

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

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

(A) enjoys a cookie!

(A)’s favorite cookie!

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

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

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

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