Rockland NY Mom
  • About this Site
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Savings for RNYM.com Readers!
  • Currently loving….
    • Feeding Baby
    • BabyCare 101
  • Directories
    • Pregnancy and Babies
    • Camps Directory 2023
    • Childcare/Pre-School Directory
    • Classes Directory
    • For the Home
    • Direct Sales Directory
    • Party Directory
    • Party Entertainment Directory
    • Photographers Directory
    • Family Services Directory
    • Crafters Directory
    • Specialty Items Directory
    • Play Ball
  • A Good Cause
  • I’m Going on a Trip…
    • Theater
  • We’re having a party….
  • RNYM’s Favorite Recipes
  • Become Part of RocklandNYMom
  • RNYM in the News!
  • Christmas 2019

Category Archives: Reviews

The New Kid on the Block

Posted on October 13, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to a session with Stefanie Murphy Media.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Many of you already know Stefanie, you have seen her on the Facebook pages posting her specials. Some of you know her from another photography gig at another studio.  Without even knowing, maybe you have already had her take precious photos of your family in the ten allotted minutes.  Then when you were unable to decide on the three you were allowed, you folded and purchased the whole CD, all thanks to Stefanie’s talent.  Yep, that’s how it went down for me.

I purchased a deal to have pictures taken of my kids, with my Step-Mother who was in town for one week. Ended up purchasing the whole CD because they were so cute.  A month or so later, I saw her on Facebook and we started chatting, neither of us had made the connection yet.

When I met Stefanie I was impressed with her maturity and with her talent. She has a great eye.  I first saw her work on the local mommy Facebook pages (so I thought).  I was impressed.  Knowing my love for all things photographic, we were a perfect fit.  We scheduled our session, and paired it with the review for Denise at Facewear’s makeup application.  They work together really well, Denise (read my review) making us beautiful by enhancing our natural features, then Stefanie captures if on film.

We chose a local farm for the pictures. A country girl at heart, I love all things old.  A rusty tractor, a weathered farm, an old picture frame, a family quilt.  All part of the plan and executed beautifully.

An old tractor makes an awesome prop!

watermarked-8299

watermarked-8304

Extremely nerve-wracking for me I usually don’t participate in the photos, too self-conscious.  I did though really want some nice family photos for my walls.

Stefanie captured the family beautifully.  I am so glad to put these up on my wall!

 watermarked-8229  watermarked-8251 watermarked-8314

Working with Stefanie is great, we text, email and go back and forth with ideas and locations often. It was during one of our nights of texting that she came across the pictures of my family at her other job.  She sent me the photo and said “I knew you looked familiar!”

I like her hunger, her work ethic, I love that she edits and sends you one or two teasers ASAP (although she should probably sleep more).  I’m no good at waiting… it’s awesome to see a little something so soon.

My teasers, which I received about 24 hours later!

watermarked-8159   watermarked-8258

Stefanie understood and loved my vision for the pictures immediately. She came with some of her own props, and orchestrated us the ways she thought it should go.  You also get more than ten minutes with her, which is awesome.  You get the edited photos in an online gallery from which you can choose your favorites.

When I received my photos I had no words. I love them.  I love the vintage feel of them, I love that you can see our personalities, I love that my family quilt is in them.  It’s interesting to me that some of my favorite photos, are ones where we aren’t even looking at the camera, we are just being us.

I had a tough time choosing what to show you, so you have to see quite a few!

watermarked-8328

watermarked-8247

  watermarked-8197 watermarked-8244  watermarked-8234

watermarked-8320

Keep an eye out for Stefanie, she is already in high demand, selling out her fall mini-sessions, she has just announced her holiday minis which have a great vintage feel that I cannot wait to see (Oops! They have just sold out!  She is looking at her schedule to see if she can do late additions so keep watching for that!!).   As I watch her material posted on her Facebook page I am more and more impressed as she really comes into her own style and I know that others are too.

I would also like to add an unsponsored shout out to the Carters store in the Spring Valley Marketplace.  The hardest part of these photo shoots for me is finding coordinating outfits for the kids.  I went into the store when they were getting ready to close (literally 5 minutes left) in a panic, and they walked around with me, and worked together to put together the look that they kids are wearing, which I must say I love!

3 Comments .

Supermodel for a Day

Posted on October 1, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Reviews, Specialty Items .

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

We work so hard to get our kids on the right track from the start. Breastfeeding, or choosing the BEST formula that we can find.  Making our own baby food, buying organic, BPA Free products and so on.  As a society we have even learned to treat ourselves (yes the adults) better.  One thing that is finally starting to emerge is all natural/organic makeup.  IN the past our makeup has been made of, well, let’s not get into that.  Think about it, what’s in your nail polish??

Denise at Facewear uses all natural/organic makeup in her applications. She even has an all-natural manicure that she does.  What a great little date for you and your little princess.  Some other services that I love that she does?  She does makeup lessons…. No need for your daughter to learn on her own that less is more, or how to apply eye liner Denise can show her.

The most popular services of course are her applications which she does for so many different occasions, bridal, prom (senior and junior), homecomings, photo sessions, sweet sixteens, you name it. She also has tons of specials that she runs so you will want to check back with us, and on her website or Facebook page to keep current.

I barely ever wear makeup. I know I should ( I am not getting any younger) but it takes so much time, and I would need some time in the bathroom by myself to accomplish it.  Up until two years ago I was still using the makeup I had purchased for my wedding (in 2004).  I finally purchased new stuff two years ago when I was attending a wedding.  Yes, I am aware that 2 years old is also old, but I really only wear it to special occasions.  One thing that keeps me from applying often is that I worry for my skin.  As a teen I had terrible acne.  I live in fear that what I use will clog my pores and I will look like that again.

I am even more nervous about having someone else do my makeup. I don’t like looking “made-up”.  When I apply my own, I put it on, and then wipe a good amount of it off (something my husband found very interesting when we first started dating).  The fact that I was willing to have someone apply it really means that I trust Denise.  So we made a date, for our next website review of a photographer, Denise would do my make-up so that I had some pictures of the family and I would have some nice makeup done for it (let’s face it moms, when we plan these photos, we still don’t get a whole lot of time to make ourselves pretty for them, it’s more about what everyone is wearing, your kids hair etc.).  This time it’s a little about me too.  Which is important.  We want these memories to be special, how often do most people have pictures done (I’m the exception because I am obsessed)?

As nervous as I was I was put completely at ease the moment I was in Denise’s chair. She is warm and inviting, and wants your opinion.  She isn’t just going to “cake” on some make-up (thank God) and when I repeated for the third time that I don’t usually wear make-up and wanted to look natural, she said,” no problem and if you get uncomfortable, we can scale it back.”  The air brushing was lite and relaxing, the whole process completely painless and when I opened my eyes? I felt like a supermodel.  I was truly amazed with the outcome.  I look like me, just a better version.  Which was the goal.

A close up of the beautiful job Denise did on my makeup.

Facewear 1

As adamant as I am about taking family photos and displaying them (and if you follow me you know I am. It’s important that you take the opportunity to make yourself feel happy and pretty. Although as a woman I am still very critical of myself (especially since I know that all of you will see the pictures), I am not the least bit worried about how my face looks.  I trust Denise to do my makeup any time.  The true testament?  I have recommended her to numerous friends and family, have already planned to purchase some gift certificates for family for the holidays (she has these amazing face firming packages), and added her to my mental list of professionals that I would use if I was planning my wedding over again (come on you all have one).

You will have to wait to see the family photos until I post my review of Stefanie Murphy Media Later this month, but here are the pictures of my face from the session before the family pictures were taken. See for yourself, I actually felt beautiful, and I think my face reflects that.

Modeling in front of the Facewear sign.  It was nice to take some time for me, and feel pretty for a change.

Facewear 2

Denise at Facewear
91 West Nyack Road Nanuet, NY
845-512-8874 (work) 845-304-4268 (cell)
facewearmakeup@gmail.com
www.facewear.net  and like her on FaceBook to stay up to date on her current specials!

1 Comment .

To Want a Root Canal

Posted on September 17, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Money Momma, Reviews, Specialty Items, Uncategorized .

Rachel Teeth- Rothstein Dental

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  All opinions are those of Jamie our ‘Money Momma’.

We see so many questions and posts about where to find a good dentist.  People are inquiring all over the boards.  It’s those frequent posts paired with Jamie’s amazing experience that she had just had with Rothstein Dental that prompted this one.

Terrified does not even begin to describe how the dentist makes me feel.  I have no idea why or how this fear came to be.  Nothing bad has ever happened to me at the dentist…ever.  Nevertheless, the terror crept in when one of my back, right teeth began to hurt so badly that I was forced to make the dreaded call to the man with the drill.

Rothstein Dental has very convenient hours, sometimes opening early, sometimes closing late.  I waited until 9:00 when I knew someone would be answering the phones and was told that since I was in pain, I should go ahead and come over right away and they would get me in at 9:10.  This was one of many ways Rothstein Dental impressed me. Unfortunately, I was not able to take them up on their accommodation because 2 year old (S) cannot be dropped off at camp until 9:15.  Not to worry.  They understood and set me up with a 10am appointment with Dr. Michael Rothstein.

I arrived at 10am terrified as usual.  They took me back right away and even tried to help me relax by offering me bottled water and soft music.  I barely had time to press play before Dr. Rothstein was in the room beginning the exam.  After some X-rays and a thorough exam it was determined that the tooth would need a root canal. HERE is where the real fun began.  I was in the office on a Tuesday.  Root canals are done by Dr. Blum, the root canal specialist, on Wednesdays (standard practice in most offices), and we were leaving for a 10 day beach vacation that Friday.  Talk about bad timing!!

It’s dangerous to let a necessary root canal procedure linger more than a week or so because there is a risk of infection.  Since I was not going to be in Rockland county the following Wednesday, they got me in to see Dr. Blum the very next day.  There wasn’t even a hesitation to accommodate my vacation.  The very first thing they said was “we will get you in tomorrow”.  In addition to needing to be seen immediately, I also had a VERY small 2 hour window in which (S), my 2 year old, would be in camp.  In order to fit me in, they had to rearrange the entire next day’s schedule.  This meant calling every single appointment Dr. Blum had the next day and changing the time.  I was seriously impressed but more than anything just so grateful for how accommodating everyone in the office was.  That was no easy feat.

For the record the root canal itself, it was a totally painless procedure.  They were aware of my dental fear and without my even having to ask took great care to make sure I was totally numb, understood what was happening, and knew exactly what the follow up care should be.  I left without pain less than 90 minutes after I walked in the door.  Dr. Blum gave me some pointers to keep the pain at bay.  I can happily say I ate all the food I wanted on vacation without any pain in my tooth.

We are now excited to tell you all that Rothstein dental is offering an exclusive deal for all RocklandNYMom.com readers of 50% off any teeth cleaning booked during the month of September and 10% off any cleaning booked thereafter. Rothstein Dental takes most insurances and can be reached to make an appointment at 845-634-8866.  Visit http://www.rothsteindentistry.com/ for more information on Rothstein Dental.

Italian Feast- Weekend Joy

Posted on September 13, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized, Yumm! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as Jamie was invited to the Italian Feast.  All opinions are her own.

One of the best things about living in Rockland is the abundance of awesome things to do on the weekends.  The Italian Feast is one not to miss, and it is gone fast open this weekend only. Weekend hours:  11am to Midnight Saturday, and noon to 9pm Sunday.

Italian Feast Flyer

Great food, great atmosphere, great music, great time!  That basically sums up my family’s experience at the Blauvelt Sons of Italy 5th annual ITALIAN FEAST.   If you have any free time this weekend, this is absolutely the event to check out.  They literally had something that would appeal to everyone and just the friendliest staff one could imagine

We arrived to a very organized parking situation and were pleased to see that anyone who needs to bring a stroller would be able to maneuver their stroller through parking and the event with no issues at all.  (R) and (S) were bouncing up and down as we walked towards the entrance.  The delicious smells of all the food surrounded us while we put on our wrist bands for unlimited rides, bounce houses, and slides.  (R) couldn’t wait to get to the rides so after some amazing fried ravioli, off the 4 of us went to experience the rest of the event.

Rides and Games RNYM

Jamie and the kids on the Carousel.

Merry Go Round RNYM

There was plenty of room to push the stroller through the walkways, plenty of seating all throughout the grounds for those who wanted to sit and eat or relax, and plenty of staff walking around making sure that the lines were moving quickly and that everyone was finding what they need.  There were also several indoor bathrooms, which I prefer to a port-a-potty (especially for those with children in diapers). The staff was incredible.  They helped us get both kids on the rides, buckled them in, let us know which rides we would need to accompany (S) on (R is big enough to ride most alone) and even made an emergency stop on one of the rides when (S) was terrified and crying. The rides are compartmentalized, with the kiddie rides in one spot and the big kid rides across the way which makes it easy to keep an eye on your child.

The family on the Tea Cups.

TEa Cups RNYM

When (R) and (S) had ridden every single ride possible, we headed over to the music stage and enjoyed a delicious dinner by Joe and Joe’s restaurant.   It is also in this stage area that adults can indulge in an adult beverage…and there was an excellent selection to choose from.  (R) and (S) were busy dancing to the live music while T (my husband) and I tried to decide what to eat.  It was not an easy choice.  It all looked and smelled incredible and the line of people waiting was a clear indication just how good this dinner would be.  To our pleasure they moved all the customers through the line and got them fed.  It was no more than 10 minutes.

Live Music RNYM

From there it was off to play the games, shop the dozens of vendors, and let the kids choose their souvenir.  We even noticed black jack tables set up for later that evening.

Skee Ball RNYM

If I had to describe this event in one word it would be joy. This event just oozes joy.  There was not one person experiencing this event that was not smiling.  Little kids, big kids, teenagers, parents, adults, staff members, everyone was all smiles and having a blast. It is a fabulous event and worth taking the family to enjoy.  And yes, of course we got some zeppoles on the way out.

Weekend hours:  11am to Midnight Saturday, and noon to 9pm Sunday

Flesher Family IF RNYM

Adventure Week Day 5- Constructing Memories at LEGOLAND Westchester

Posted on September 5, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews, Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were invited for the day to LEGOLAND Westchester.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, Day 5:  LEGOLAND Westchester

For our final daytrip adventure (looking for some, click here) we decided to stay a little closer to home.  Just a hop skip and a jump away in Westchester we are lucky enough to have an awesome place to spend the day.  It took us just 20 minutes by car to get there and we were so excited.  For his recent birthday (4years old) (A) received his first sets of LEGOs.  From then on he has been obsessed.  We have had to go to the store for countless sets that we need to construct.   What could be more perfect for a culminating trip than a trip to a world of LEGOs? 

Right from the get go it was amazing.  You have an opportunity to pose for a silly LEGO picture that you can purchase as a reminder later on.  We HAD to do that (photo obsessed??).  Then you get to go inside and experience an interactive presentation on how LEGOs are made, you even get a small painted LEGO as a souvenir!  From there the real fun begins.  You get to go on a ride that had all of us engaged and smiling (ages 12 months to 30-some odd years old).

The family gets ready for our first ride. (Riders must be able to sit by themselves, I held (E) just for the picture)

LEGOLAND 10

Once through you have the opportunity to view and purchase your photos… You get to marvel at the creations of the masterbuilders throughout (I won’t spoil all of that for you by telling you what they are).  It’s truly awe inspiring.

(A) plays with one of the interactive displays put together by the Masterbuilders.

LEGOLAND 7

There is much to do for so many different ages.  It would be difficult to name them all so I will name those that (A) and (E) enjoyed the most.  There is a really cool indoor playground that (A) could have run around all day.  There are even giant rubber LEGO’s in there to play with.  That is in the center of the other action, so you can always return to it.  Circled around the room are some interactive play areas where you can build and test your creations for speed and stability (a little mature for (A) right now, but I am certain he will truly enjoy soon).  There is also a play area for little ones that (E) really enjoyed, a play house with fun activities (even a little karaoke…), another cool ride, a special movie, and a ninja training camp.  Oh yes and in case you get hungry, there is also a café.

  • (A)’s favorites… The rides, and ninja training camp, oh and he says also the playground (and the store).

LEGOLAND 9 LEGOLAND 6

  • (E)’s favorites… Climbing in the LEGO pits, and running around, also riding the masterbuilder creations.

LEGOLAND 5

LEGOLAND 2

LEGOLAND 1

As you can read, there is more than enough fun to keep you busy for hours (I believe we were there for 4 and a half, which was (E)’s limit but (A) would have stayed longer).  What is great is that you can stay and revisit rides and exhibits as many times as you like.  The lines were relatively short and there was a lot to look at while you wait.

When you are done running around you exit through the LEGO store, where they have so many different fun sets and accessories you can choose from (we assumed this in advance and saved a bit of his birthday money for him to choose a set to bring home).  (A) chose the castle set and even RocklandNYDad (RNYD) got in on the action (being a big kid himself) purchasing a superhero set to play with.

What is super cool about LEGOLAND? They have a schedule of special events that happen all of the time that you can see.  Including (but not limited to) a Star Wars themed day (oh my, that would be heaven) AND they even do grown up nights for big kids (like RNYD) so that they can go and play too.   If you don’t have kids and would really like to check it out, make sure that you wait until one of those scheduled nights, adults are not permitted out without a child escort.

 

 

3 Comments .

Adventure Day 4- Making a Splash at Sahara Sams Oasis!

Posted on August 29, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were invited for the day to Sahara Sams.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, Day 4:  Sahara Sams Oasis

The family has yet to visit a water park so we figured this was the perfect time.  We chose Sahara Sams because it is close to Philly (where my sister in law lives) so it lends itself to a visit with family as well.  The other great thing that attracted us?  It’s got an indoor section, so even if it was raining, we could still go and have a great time.  This made planning really easy.  I remember being so bummed out when (A) was 2 and we went to Hershey for a soccer tournament that I was coaching.  We were so excited for him to get to go to his first amusement park.  The first time we were free for the afternoon we went to the factory to check that out.  We planned to go to the park the next day.  Then it rained, we didn’t want to bring a 2 year old out in the rain all day so we headed home.  We had already purchased the tickets, and didn’t get a chance to go back :o(.  There is no fear of that here so we knew that we could ear mark a day and go rain or shine. 

Upon arrival I was impressed.  I try not to do too much research before I go somewhere, I am always looking for my honest opinion.  Sahara Sams has an arcade, the indoor water park, and outdoor facilities.  Lots to do.  We stayed inside for the most part, which was great.  It was easy to keep track of (A) and (E) and enough fun that we spent 4 hours running around there without needing the other attractions.  There is even a full café if you get hungry.

What did we do?  What did (A) like?  Well, there was a kiddie area for kids 36” and below which worked really well for both him and (E).  Being at the in between height meant that he could also run around many of the other parts (not the large slides, or the surfing simulation, he was too young, but totally uninterested anyway).  He loved the little tube slide, and we spent hours in the adventure river.

(A) and (E) play with a small water geyser (for almost a half hour, they were enjoying it so much I couldn’t stop them).

SSams2

(A) going down the small slide in the “Kiddie” area.

SSams4

(E) hangs (he he he) in one of the water swings.

SSams5

(A) in some more of the water fun in the “Kiddie” area.

SSams3

The tube slide for (A)’s age group was at the top of this big water jungle gym.  While the kids waited patiently online, there were lots of different water squirters to play with and catch other people off guard.  It was pretty funny.  At one point a group of giggly kids got me when I least expected it.

Even RNYM got in on the fun!

SSams6

The adventure river was great.  (A), and RNYD got their own tubes, and (E) and I rode together.   That was really cool.  As you know she is only 1, but with a life vest (which they have available to use for FREE), she was able to ride on my lap.  She loved it.  There were a few really cool water falls which made it interesting.  It moved nice and slow and was only 3 feet the whole way around, so we could all touch down any time we needed to.

(A) lounges in the Adventure River.

SSams1

Main points that I would like to point out as a mom.  It was clean and it was safe.  I’d like to focus on the safe part because water parks are a scary place if you are a parent.  For kids it’s all about the fun, but for us it’s a whole lot of worry.  There were lockers that you could rent ($27 for a small locker, $20 is a deposit that you get back when you return your key) to put your items in.  Aside from that, I put my towels down in a chair (unlabeled) and came back several times, they were still there untouched (and they are very nice towels).  There were like a million lifeguards, and not the type you often see.  They were diligent.  Always moving, always eyes on the water, always communicating with one another.  I watched several shift changes where BOTH lifeguards double checked the water before one left and the other took over.  THAT was awesome.

This was (A)’s first trip down the slide.  It really shows how attentive the lifeguards are.  He was warned by the top guard that he was nervous, and so he was ready when (A) got there.

SSams7

Oh and another bonus that I didn’t think of until a few days later?  Since we stayed inside for the most part, I didn’t have to stress about sunscreen all day long (especially in the water).

If you need another reason to take a visit, it’s really easy to come up with one.  Right behind Sahara Sams Oasis is their other theme park Diggerland (which I will review soon).  That makes for a great (really long day) or an awesome weekend.  They have a bundle which you can purchase with tickets for both included.

1 Comment .

My Sweet Pea- Keeps Getting Better!

Posted on August 11, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, Specialty Items, We're Having a Party .

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

If you love good service and quality as much as I do, then you are already a big fan of My Sweet Pea Children’s Boutique in New City (click for my account of my first visit).  If you haven’t been there yet, go the next time you need a special gift for that special little one and you won’t be disappointed.  In fact, tell her I sent you.

They have such a good thing going that the owner Sheri has big plans, starting this September  (2014).  Would you like to be in on the secret (or not so secret since there is a big sign out front)?  My Sweet Pea is moving to a larger location, yes you heard correctly, larger.  At the boutique’s new address (14 N. Main Street, New City; the Dunkin Donuts/Carvel Shopping Center) Sheri will be able to carry MORE wonderful merchandise (including Halloween Costumes!), while still providing you with the type of personal attention that you have grown to know and love.  In addition to the expanded product line, there will also be more accessible parking, a more spacious, comfortable store, and expanded availability (7 days with more hours).  Sold yet?

A sneak peek at the new store!

Sweet Pea- Teaster

In addition to the amazing services that My Sweet Pea already provides (cakes, favors, customization, personal shopping, theme décor, registries, extended hours when necessary to name a few), there will be children’s arts and crafts classes, and cake decorating classes for mommies and daddies!

My Sweet Pea Boutique presents Classes by Katy, a series of project-based craft and cake-decorating workshops for children and adults (and yes we will check both of them out, letting you know what we thought). Children ages 18 months -14 years are invited to select from craft workshops focusing on projects from silly hand-made creatures to personalized wall art (schedule to come). Cake decorating classes will cover basic to advanced decorating techniques, for both children and adults. These will be taught by a certified Wilton instructor. Classes can be purchased either individually or in multi-class packages. Have a Girl Scout Troop that needs a badge, or a birthday party to plan? Yeah, they can do that too. Please call for more information 845-638-BABY (2229), including class dates, times, prices, and themes.

A little tease of the room where the new classes will take place!

My Sweet Pea New- Teaser

With the new store coming along all we can do is sit back anticipate all of the new goodies we will find when we get there. The “soft” opening will be sometime in September and the “hard” opening will be in October, just in time to pre-order your Holiday gifts. They are currently still open at their old location 159 S Main through August as they begin to prepare for the move so don’t fret if you need something, Sheri and her staff are always there!

As a side-note Sheri’s other business SOHN Real Estate (845) 639-HOME (4663) will be moving along with My Sweet Pea (see below) but more on that later :o). 

New Sohn Real Estate

Wednesday, Day 3: New Jersey State Fair Sussex County, NJ.

Posted on August 9, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

Wednesday, Day 3:  New Jersey State Fair Sussex County, NJ.

My step-father is very into farms and animals having at their place a pony, a horse, 5 dogs, pheasants, and chickens (yes crazy, but really fun to visit especially for the kids).  As an enthusiast, he visits lots of the county fairs at this time of year.  His favorite by far is the New Jersey Fair which is going on this week so we took a trip!

It’s a little over an hour away from Rockland and if you plan to go, make sure that you go early and stay for the day.  There is so much to see and do!  There are tons of animals to see and touch, refreshments galore, a circus, pig races, local art, an old machine house where you can see old fashioned machines at work, tractors, rides (live and also carnival style), monster truck rides, live music, and a feeding zoo complete with its own giraffe!

  • Kids 5 and under are free, there is senior and veteran discounts.
  • Bathrooms are clean and monitored.
  • Bring your maneuverable stroller again, there are hills and bumps in some areas.
  • Many of the attractions are free including the circus and petting zoo (you need to buy the food though to feed the animals) :o)
  • Wear good walking shoes you will be on your feet a long time.
  • There are ATMS if you should need one.

(A) and (E) pet bunnies.

pet bunny

Emma Pet Bunny

Feeding the animals.

Feed Goats

Feed Giraffe

Watching baby chicks hatch.

Chicks Hatching

Digger

Pig Races

Monster Ride 1

MOnster Ride

A Real Smash!!

Posted on August 7, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Reviews .

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

Here’s our version of the smash cake. Again, they really reflect our personality, which I love.  I also love that (A) was able to get in there and participate.  It speaks to everyday life in our house.  Enjoy!

At last it was time to smash a cake (kept for the last photos appropriately).  Jen had this fantastic idea to do the smash right in the woods since I had a shabby-chic feel going for the props.  I love it!  It’s so not typical.  Everyone has photos in a studio on an easily cleaned backdrop, I love that this is genuine, and right in my backyard… The cake was another amazing creation by Jolirose Cake Shop that I ordered right after I saw and tasted Gilda’s work at Gabi’s Party.  I knew that she would capture the mood just right.  In fact, I didn’t dictate a thing to her.  I said I needed a smash cake, and that I was going for shabby chic.  She had complete artistic freedom and I am so glad we did it that way.  It was a surprise to me when I opened it and I am so very happy (so were the kids).  I have to say (E) was so very confused that I was letting her make a mess that it bordered on hysterical… Luckily big brother (A) was there to help out!

The set-up for (E)’s smash session, right in the woods!

Emmie Smash Setup HBP

The Cake- another beauty from Jolirose (so yummy too)!

Smash Cake HBP

(E) tries a taste.. carefully!

Dainty Girl HBP

Yumm..

Let Her Eat Cake Above HBP

Here we go…

Pick Up Cake HBP

Chow Down HBP

Messy Face!

Smash Cake Close Up Smile HBP

A little help??

Aidan Feeds Emma Cake HBP

A lot of help?!

Dig In Smash Cake HBP

Aidan Feeds Emma Large Cake HBP

I am so unbelievably happy at how all of these pictures came out.  I have some really, really special memories of my children and that means everything to me.  I also now have enough of the photos I really love to complete a new little photo project that I am working on for my living room wall ;O).

Thank you so much Jen!

To contact Jen at Honeybee Photography NY check out her website www.honeybeephotographyny.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/HoneyBee-Photography-NY/628693593813915?fref=ts

1 Comment .

A Good Balance

Posted on July 30, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Reviews .

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

This next group of photos that we took are really near and dear to my heart. They say a lot about my personality… In fact, one of them I couldn’t resist changing to my personal profile picture… when I did, people who I hadn’t spoken to in YEARS commented.  So glad that they did because I adore them, and it was so great to see that they liked them.

We took a time out to change for our next surprise photos… and what did Jen do while I was changing poor (E)?  She got my 4 year old who was not into pictures to take some amazing single shots… I didn’t ask her to, and he was being particularly non-cooperative about pictures… even with that obstacle, she captured the following beauties…

(A) riding his tricycle.

AIdan Tricycle HBP

(A) shows his age…

Aidan 4 HBP

Aidan 4.2 HBP

Striking a pose… I love that face!

Aidan Adorable HBP

Back from our quick change the next photos were inspired by an awesome photo-shoot I saw on Pinterest of a little girl wearing her mother’s heels.  Something about them really resonate with me, but anyone who knows me would laugh at the idea of her wearing my heels, because although my shoes are somewhat cute, they are really mostly sensible (3 knee surgeries from Div. 1 soccer).  So we came up with something better….

(E) standing in mommy’s cleats.Mommys Shoes HBO

 (E) and Mommy with the cleats.

Mommys SHoes 2 HBP

I absolutely adore the contrast of the ruffle outfit and the cleats… It’s that balance between the ultra-feminine and the athlete that I have always found so important, and believe I have kept well.

Want to see more of (E)’s First Birthday Photo-Shoot?  Stay tuned!!

To contact Jen at Honeybee Photography NY check out her website www.honeybeephotographyny.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/HoneyBee-Photography-NY/628693593813915?fref=ts

« Previous Page
Next Page »
  • About this Site
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Savings for RNYM.com Readers!
  • Currently loving….
    • Feeding Baby
    • BabyCare 101
  • Directories
    • Pregnancy and Babies
    • Camps Directory 2023
    • Childcare/Pre-School Directory
    • Classes Directory
    • For the Home
    • Direct Sales Directory
    • Party Directory
    • Party Entertainment Directory
    • Photographers Directory
    • Family Services Directory
    • Crafters Directory
    • Specialty Items Directory
    • Play Ball
  • A Good Cause
  • I’m Going on a Trip…
    • Theater
  • We’re having a party….
  • RNYM’s Favorite Recipes
  • Become Part of RocklandNYMom
  • RNYM in the News!
  • Christmas 2019

Newsletter Sign Up

Categories

Recent Comments

  • MB on Home Made Christmas Ornaments!
  • Mom E. on LEGOLAND NY- The RNYM Scoop
  • RocklandNYMom on Socially Safe Santa
  • sikis izle on Socially Safe Santa
  • Amanda Kivell on Camps Directory 2023

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org

Recent Posts

  • Climbing out of our Comfort Zone
  • Four Stars for Movie House Paramus
  • Getting Back to it!
  • Kicking off Spring Break with a Time Mission Review!
  • Music Spring Break Camps at Bach 2 Rock!

CyberChimps WordPress Themes

© Rockland Mom