Category Archives: Reviews

WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE IS PROUD TO PRESENT – AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

Posted on by Posted in Events, Reviews, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE IS PROUD TO PRESENT
Ain’t Misbehavin’

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can I say but WOW.  RocklandNYMom.com was invited for Press Night for this amazing show, and that’s all I can think of to say.  I took my mom, who had her very first experience with WBT a few months ago, and she was so excited to join me.   From walking into the show, being greeted at the front desk to our seats (which were amazing, not that they have a single bad seat in the house), we had a blast.

Lets start with the food.  The menu was mouth watering.  My mother and I had a hard time selecting our meals.  She has many dietary restrictions, and they were able to tweak the Broiled Fillet of Sole, leaving off the lemon butter sauce and she was super happy.  She said the fillet was moist and tasted wonderful (and didn’t think the sauce was needed).  I am a chicken eater, and the Chicken Marsala was very well done.  I was so happy with it – in fact had such a hard time finishing it with all the food they give you (a starter salad, with a roll and corn bread, our main dish followed with coffee and dessert).  But don’t you worry, I took my leftovers home for the next days lunch, and it did not disappoint then either.

You have the option to order extra appetizers, which we did not.  We did discuss the luxury desserts (which they serve during intermission), but mom was super happy with the dessert that was provided to us, and honestly I was so full – there was no room for anything else.  The couple sitting next to us had the French Onion Soup – so of course I had to ask about it, which I was told was amazing.  It will have to be added to my order during my next visit for sure.

Once we were done eating, and all settled in, the show began – promptly at 8pm, and it did not disappoint.  A great way to start off Black History Month.  The performers sang the entire show, since this is not your ordinary “show”, and engaged with the audience to make us laugh.  The chemistry amongst the performers was apparent, and the hard work that they put into the show left me breathless and wanting more.  I walked into the show knowing very little about what was going to happen, or what it was about, and left a HUGE fan.  You will want to sing along to the songs, tap your feet to the amazing beat, and jump up to dance (which is not aloud), but will have a blast.

If your looking for a show – that is not like the others.  Which takes a whole different approach – then you have a few weeks to see Ain’t Misbehavin’, and trust me when I say you will not be disappointed in anything that the WBT brings to you during your show experience.  Don’t forget to mention RocklandNYMom to get a discount – and let us know how your experience was.

Here’s a little background information. Also, stay tuned because we are trying to bring you a SPECIAL experience for their upcoming showings of Newsies which is RNYM’s favorite since she was a kid!!!

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz
Musical Adaptations, Orchestrations & Arrangements by Luther Henderson
Directed by Richard Maltby Jr.
Music Direction by William Foster McDaniel

January 31 – February 24, 2019

Winner of the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical. Thomas “Fats” Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club and that jumpin’ new beat, swing music. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s comes to life in the three-time Tony Award-winning musical revue, Ain’t Misbehavin’. Experience the heart and soul of Harlem where the onset of swing joined ranks with the rhythms of ragtime and the passions of jazz, creating an explosive musical movement.

Join five performers on a journey through the timeless music of Thomas “Fats” Waller. You’ll be jumpin’ and jivin’ with memorable songs such as “Honeysuckle Rose”, “Ain’t Misbehavin”, “Black and Blue”, “This Joint is Jumpin’” and “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling.” One of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time, the sometimes sassy, sometimes sultry, has moments of devastating beauty that is simply unforgettable.
Your toes will tap, your shoulders will jive, your head will bob along with some of the most infectious swing America has ever created, the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller and some others who shaped the feel of the 1920s, ’30s, and early ’40s. This musical revue is like one big rent party or club show on stage. Enjoy the great stride music of Fats Waller with performers singing and dancing his musical tales of love, longing, and the zest for life.

Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.

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

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

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

WBT Mainstage:
Ain’t Misbehavin – January 31st – February 24th, 2019
Menopause The Musical – February 28th – March 24th 2019
Newsies – March 28th – May 26th 2019
On Your Feet– May 30th  – August 4th 2019
Mambo Italiano– August 8th – September 29th  2019
An American In Paris –October 3rd – November 24th 2019

Chocolatier-Matisse- More than Just Sweet Treats

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Crafts, Party, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were invited over for a class.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Chocolatier-Matisse in Orangeburg has been on our radar for quite a while.  In addition to being a great resource for party favors, a sweet treat for someone you love, holiday trays, and of course chocolate covered strawberries, Danielle and her staff has so much more going on there.  They also hold craft classes (weekly) where your child can affordably make a great project, work on a chocolate component and have a great time.  These classes are drawn upon as inspiration for their super fun birthday parties, as well as scout troop events.

(A) and I were able to head over to the Dragon and Fairy Lantern Event held at the beginning of January.  Poor (E) was sick and was so so sad to be missing it.  That’s the first thing ill say about the Chocolatier Matisse Events that is really nice, they are geared toward BOTH boys AND girls. For me this is a no brainer as I have one of each to occupy, AND its incredibly difficult to find fun things to do for boys.  (A) is OBSESSED with Dragons so this was a home run for us.

Once all the kids were present and accounted for they made some chocolate dipped treats (rice krispies and pretzels).  There were extra toppings that could be added atop the chocolate and (A) had a ball playing with it.  When everyone had completed that task they moved to the other table which was all set up for the lantern craft.

There were more than enough helpers who walked around to repeat the simple directions to the kids, and they were all able to put their own spins on the project.  (A) really loved adding jewels to his dragon for a little extra sparkle when the candle was lit.  While the kids worked, other employees packaged up the chocolate delights that they had made for them to take home.  It was just about the perfect amount of time for the kids.  Enough for them to be creative and enjoy, without getting bored.  They accomplished two things the chocolate and the lanterns, and were ready to go home.


(A) has mentioned that he would love to do it again with more mystical creatures, that it would be really cool.  He has had the lantern on his nightstand since, and puts the light on each night to sleep.  He loved that he made a chocolate dessert and would love to go back and do that too.  (E) is dying to attend one as she loves arts and crafts and hasn’t let me forget that she was unable to attend.

MY Be You Photo Shoot Experience

Posted on by Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This post is unsponsored and this article is written through my own POV as well as opinions.  This is a very personal post for me to write, but I am happy to share my story about coming out of my shell. 

By: Catherine Sheridan, RNYM Intern

I have never been a person who likes to be the center of attention, I am kind of shy, and not too out going. As every kid does as they grow up they face insecurities, and I too have many insecurities. I have grown out of most of them but some are still relevant. Jennifer Tesker who is a directory member here on the site has a photo shoot called “Be You”. I first saw it on Facebook and was like wow this is so cool. Then (A) and (E) did the shoot as I was blown away, and it got me thinking, what if I could do this. So I reached out to Jennifer and asked her if adults were able to do the shoot as well, she said yes and sent me samples of photos she’s done with adults. I looked them over and discussed with my mom if I should do this. We both agreed and I booked my appointment. Honestly I was so nervous but really excited at the same time. I brought my friend with me for support, and then it was finally the time to start shooting.

I honestly did not know how to feel or act or what to do. But Jennifer was so nice and walked me through the whole thing.  I really ended up having so much fun. For a minute of my life I had no insecurities, no worries, I was able to have fun and be my self. She showed me some of the photos she captured and I was blown away, honestly could not believe it was me. The whole experience really changed me and how I think of myself. I owe it to Jennifer Tesker Photography for helping me see me how others see me and letting me be me without being scared. These photos are honest- which is a nice change to some of what you see out there.  It’s nice to know that someone thinks you are pretty, just being yourself.  Its fun to watch the kids do their silly things, but it was really nice as an adult to feel that way too.  Not forced to be something I am not.  No fancy clothing or makeup, just me and the camera.

Flyer For this years booking-Mention Little Tor Elementary and give back to a local school too! 

 

Camp Spotlight- Deerkill Day Camp!

Posted on by Posted in Camps, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post. 

Deerkill Day Camp is a very popular camp option among Rockland families. This third-generation family business, celebrating its 62nd season, is located on a wooded 15-acre site and brings a community feel to the summer camp experience for campers age 3 through 15.

Deerkill offers children a chance to pick up a new sport or hobby, learn to swim and form lifelong friendships this summer. The diverse program includes professional swim instruction in large heated pools, an array of athletics on fields sized for younger and older children, creative and performing arts such as arts and crafts, ceramics, woodworking, dance, theater, and digital photography, and specialties such as karate and nature, among other activities. A new 28-foot climbing tower and 250-foot zipline were also recently added to the program.

Deerkill offers door-to-door daily transportation on mini air-conditioned buses, staffed with professional drivers and bus counselors. The Directors are on the camp grounds every day and accessible by phone by day and night; there is no large administrative staff and all the individual group leaders are adults, many of whom are teachers.

2019 Session (June 27 to August 23) (40 DAY SESSION FOR 1ST TIME EVER!)

All campers may register for 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 weeks. New campers may also register for 2 weeks for their first summer. For those campers registered for 5, 6, or 7 weeks, parents may choose any weeks throughout the summer.

With the exception of horseback riding, an optional elective, there are no extra charges at Deerkill. They do not allow tipping, a large expense at many camps, and tuition includes the following:

    • Family weekend pool club at no additional cost. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 plus Thursday July 4th and Friday July 5th. Open Saturday June 29 to Sunday August 18
    • Door-to-door transportation by air-conditioned mini-buses supervised by bus counselors
    • Hot lunches prepared daily in our own modern kitchen
  • Field trips and all camp supplies

 

    • Ice cream and Ices for afternoon snack
  • Daily towel service
  • Group photo, camp shirt, backpack, DVD yearbook, Fall Festival, winter reunions

 

Tuition varies by camper age and pick-up and session length. You may go to their website and enter your child’s information to see rates for the 2019 summer and request a brochure. For more information call 1-845-354-1466, email office@deerkilldaycamp.com or log onto www.deerkilldaycamp.com.

TBH- A Mom’s Holiday Confession

Posted on by Posted in Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Jennifer, however is a directory member.

I have to be completely honest.  I PRIDE myself on having everything together. I lose sleep for it.  I barely ever say no, and do believe there is nothing I can’t accomplish if I don’t set my mind to it.  Those who know me well however may say that lately I’ve been a little different.  It’s true.  I feel a little different, a little odd.  I don’ t have it all together and its felt that way since November.  I’m not sick, my life is blessed, I am just overwhelmed.  Somehow back in November it began and I am still having a little trouble getting out of it, despite some gains back to being my regular old self. Perhaps that why months later you are just hearing about our session.

Enter the holidays.  You all know I am Photo Obsessed, we have a photographers directory for goodness sake!  I review and work with EVERY person on there to make SURE they are good and excellent options for our readers.  In fact, I do that with all of our directory members period.  I don’t want to talk about something that isn’t quality, its a waste of your time.

I’m feeling overwhelmed and I need holiday photos.  Jennifer is not only a directory member, our kids have become great friends, and if I may say so, so have we.  So one day at swim class we booked a photo appointment.  I usually enjoy these.  I am long past the days where I fretted too much over whether or not the kids would participate.  We decide to bring the dogs, and even RNYD is over it and knows I force him once a year so he has to participate.

For some reason the outfits are giving me trouble, I don’t want to do typical red and green, red and black. We did Navy hues last year.  I wanted something timeless that would stay on the wall all year.  I’ve lost weight and toned my body and want to look pretty (thanks Amir ;o) My dress finally shows up like the day before.

We get to the shoot on time and everything should be fine, but for some reason I’m still not feeling right, not me.  Seeing Jennifer puts me at ease.  While she takes the photos I feel good, except my dogs are being pains.  They had never been in the woods before (ugh how did I not think of that!?).  Jennifer is able to get them to cooperate (thank God) but I’m thrown.  We proceed, and she tells me to stop worrying, the photos are perfect.

I book our viewing and pray that my worry doesn’t show, that the dogs did in fact behave, that my worry is just that, my worry.

Well it was.  Jennifer is unbelievable.

Got our family photo.

Got amazing solo shots of the kids.

Got shots of the kids together that are just too much.

Puppy photo? Got it.

Adorable candid family shots? Yep.

She even snagged one of me and the MR (which we never do)

I think you would agree, she nailed it.

Even though I didn’t feel like myself and faked my way through a lot of the rest of the holiday this was one less thing I had to worry about.  At that moment I was so crazy happy to have someone I could trust, someone I knew would do a good job even though I am in an overthinking, over planning, attempting to be perfect all the time and just falling short place.  Jennifer had my back.  She still has my back.  In fact, I didn’t love my cards this year (the design not the photo part) and she said she’d help me and walk me through that next year too. <3

THIS is why I am so adamant about working with our members.  I NEED to know that anyone we recommend will be fabulous.  Our readers NEED to know that we recommend quality.  They NEED to be at ease with one part of our crazy lives.  Readers, that’s why we are selective with our postings, prospective directory members, that’s why we insist on working with you and writing about it.  We appreciate that you trust us to do what’s good and right for businesses and consumers alike and take that seriously.

If you ever have a question please don’t hesitate to ask us we answer honestly and candidly.  We love what we do and love that you appreciate us.

-The RNYM Family

Launch into Fun! – Review!

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Party, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were hosted in giving Launch a try.

This past month the kids and I were invited to visit the new trampoline park Launch in West Nyack.  I have to start off by saying I love the location of this facility.  Right behind social security off of 304 it’s easy to get to from anywhere.  We recommend not getting there right when it opens as it is very popular and you will have to wait on line.  If you get there about an hour afterwards it’s much easier to get in.  I do love that you sign in on the computer before you get to the counter so your waiver is ready and they just scan it at the computer to log you in.  You don’t have to wait for people to be inputted into the system this way with kids who are looking to burn some energy.

The park is clean and lots of fun. There are no real restrictions for age at this park as there are at others with sections for younger kids and older.   Everyone has free reign.  I liked that part as it meant that my 5 and 8 year olds (of very different ability levels) could try the same obstacles.  This is particularly nice for my kids given that (E) is far more adventurous than (A) who is 3 years her senior.  She WANTS to venture where he goes and try the same things as he does, always has. Those who are worried about the bigger kids mixed with the younger can rest easy as there were lots of employees around checking for safety.

The kids bounced around for quite a while. (E) being a dancer and aspiring gymnast of sorts, really enjoyed the bouncing and then bouncing to jump into the foam pit (which was nice and clean- a big concern of mine when we go to such places because she’s asthmatic).  (A) preferred to run and bounce from trampoline to trampoline, and play dodgeball.

The kids really enjoyed the obstacle course which is really quite difficult, and they spent a long while swinging on the different parts trying to get through it. The parts that were too high, an employee jumped in and helped them up to get.  The hour time frame for bouncing was more than enough as my kids both came off red faced and ready for a break.

When break time is over there is a nice snack bar and tables you can utilize. Even though Launch itself was busy at the time, there wasn’t a wait while we were there.  Then we decided to play some video games.  This section is a great space to cool down and have a little fun before you head out.  (A) used his entire credit balance to play the Jurassic World game, and (E) chose to run around and try a bit of everything.  She even won a ball at the claw game!

The kids really enjoyed Launch and have already asked to have another play date there (every day since). It’s a great facility for getting the energy out, playdates, birthday parties, scout trips, fundraisers, really anything you can think of.  There are some fabulous deals to take advantage of right now including:

 Take $150 OFF any of our awesome A-List Birthday party

Winter Pass on Sale Now!

$99 to jump 1 hour per day

December 1st through March 15th

Playing for Fun at New City School of Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

One of the things I love the most is watching my children grow and learn.  I think all parents would agree with that statement.  At 8 and 5 we are at “great ages” for this, for all things really.  Each age and stage of childhood has brought with it special moments and challenges.  These ages however, have shown me major maturity, growth, and with it both character and personality development.  They are truly coming into their own with what they enjoy reading, listening to, and doing.  One place where this is really starting to shine, is with (A) and his drum lessons at The New City School of Music.

Having been attending for just a little over a year now, Andrew has determined that (A) is ready to increase his lesson length.  This shows major attention span growth, as well as endurance both mentally and physically.  This new lesson length came with it some changes in the way he plays and practices.  Since (A) has a rudimentary knowledge of reading music as well as playing now, Andrew often plays right along side of him.  This gives (A) confidence, and makes it fun for him (even when doing stick work- which is technique training).  But along with this change in technique work, Andrew has continued, and even highlighted the need to play for fun, for enjoyment, and for the love of music.

All along (A) has been assigned homework to practice on a nightly basis during the week.  It usually consists of some stick work, as well as reading and playing a few “fills” and whatnot.  Andrew has kicked it up a notch and asked (A) to jam for homework.  Once a week, he is supposed to forget the work from the book and just jam.  Make up his own fills, beat on the drums and play along to some favorite songs.  In fact, each night in addition to his usual practice, he is supposed to play along with a song that he enjoys.  Listening critically, figuring out the notes being played, and then playing along with them, in time including any fills.

This teaching of the whole child is something that Andrew has excelled at all along.  He isn’t just reading music, or teaching traditional music theory (although he is getting plenty of that- as I type he is learning how to write an “accent” in drum music), its about teaching how to “hear” the music.  To break it down into its it smaller parts, to learn how it all fits together.  The timing, the harmonies, all of it.  More importantly, its about my 8 year old son learning to love all aspects of music, listening, experiencing and playing it.

As a result of this approach, I don’t have to force him to practice.  He isn’t upset when its time to come to his lesson, in fact he’s usually ready to go early and upset if its not quite time to go.  He loves to chat with Andrew, to play with him, to talk music with him.  All of it.

As I’ve watched (A) mature and grow with the drumming, I am also noticing that he is maturing and his endurance (mental and physical) for schoolwork is improving.  His reading and fluency is improving, and his mathematical abilities have improved.  His knowledge of mathematical concepts like fractions is well beyond what I would think it would be for his age, but why not, we have a metronome going at least 15 minutes a night at our house, and he’s reading complex drum phrases and changing time along with the notes he sees.

RNYD and I couldn’t be happier that he’s loving it so much and growing with the music.  I have a post coming soon to talk about his most recent performance, that was a real doozie for us. As a show of how much we love our lessons, and our readers,  The New City School of Music is currently offering  a $55 registration for free to students who mention RocklandNYMom and register by 1/15/19!

 

Wild West City- Review

Posted on by Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  We attended and thought you’d be interested.  All opinions expressed are our own.

This week my sister, mother and I took the kids to Wild West City.  We had heard of it before and saw a deal on Groupon so decided it was well worth a try.  The ride is a painless hour to Stanhope NJ.  Right near the attraction are a Shop Rite, McDonalds, and a great little Tavern that we had lunch at.

The kids had a blast, and we spent the day together enjoying and having time out in the sun.  There’s a lot of history to be learned, but my kids (8 and 5) were not interested in the museum displays.  Thy different buildings were set up as mini-museums of what each place would have been during the time period.  They were dark (of course), and required a lot of reading which  my kids were pretty quickly bored with.  This is fine, because we’ve been places before where this happens, so we just went to the buildings they were really interested in and read a bit about that.  I wasn’t hell bent on a history lesson for the day.

All of the people who worked there were lovely, ready to explain history of the period and play along with the kids.  The horses are all friendly and love to be pet.  There are “shows” in the main street that happened pretty much all day with 2 of them being geared toward children’s participation.

We watched the opening ceremonies and said hi to some horses and then headed down to some of the interactive exhibits.

First we spent some time down at the barn.  There were a few animals that you can pet and feed. Animal food cost .50 per cone and it worth it.  The kids enjoyed having their hands tickled by the munching animals.

Next we hit up the FREE mining exhibit that we could have literally spent all day in.  There’s a large mound of dirt to dig up and then sift through in the water feature.  There was ACTUAL FOOLS GOLD in the pile, which the kids were loving- MOM TIP- bring a snack size plastic bag to put it in to bring home.  

We walked back up to the main street to watch another small show and then did a carriage ride.  Carriage rides, train rides and pony rides have an additional cost and you have to purchase tickets at the main stage or pizza stand before you head over.   The kids enjoyed being held up :o)

We did the pony ride which was fun (they hadn’t ridden anything except the camel at the Ren Faire).

The kids wandered and took some photos locked in the jail before there was the robbery and calling for deputies (all kiddos) to help track them down.  This was SUPER CUTE.  There’s a staged robbery, then they call for help finding the bad guys.  All kids present are sworn in and given badges.  They then track the bandits and bring them to the jail. Judges are chosen and a hearing is held… I won’t tell you all the details in case you want to go see for yourself.  MOM TIP- if you look in the main street on the ground you can find the empty cartridges from the blanks being shot by the actors as a little souvenir.

WE spent the better part of 4 hours there before getting hot and hungry.  You can bring your own food for the picnic area, or you can purchase from the food stand or saloon.  We decided that since we were done for the day we would leave and look for a restaurant which we did.  We went down the road to the Stonehill restaurant, which was really very, very good (and had AC).

Kids had a blast, learned a few things, and did something different.  This is not an expensive day out compared to many.  There is a fun Halloween event they’ve got going on if you want to head over during the fall (weekends only), or maybe just add to your adventure list for next year.

As always- we appreciate you letting them know you heard about them here if you head over :o)

 

Teaching More than Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

Last week we walked into our regular drum lesson at New City School of Music ready to rock with (A)’s teacher Andrew.  (A) really looks forward to them.  While we were waiting for Andrew to come in to get us (A) often likes to look at the trophies to see who is testing this coming month.  We hadn’t even realized it had been a year since (A) started lessons, until he found the trophy that adorned his name.

When we walked into our lesson (A) brought it up and Andrew checked his records.  Yep it was time.  He offered (A) two choices.  Try to earn it right then and there- pop quiz style, or go home to prepare and test the following week.  I was really unsure which he would choose, then he picked pop quiz.  Although I was super excited that he was feeling so self assured, I was immediately nauseous.  If he was nervous he didn’t look it one bit.

Andrew gave his assignment and he was off to the races.  He made it through, but it was a little choppy and he had to stop once or twice when he first started to begin again.  Really though, he did really well for a kid who was taking a pop quiz.  Andrew concurred, then surprised me (pleasantly).   He asked (A) how he thought he did, to which (A) replied “OK”.

Andrew asked if it was the very best he could do.  (A) replied that no, he could do better with some preparation.  Then Andrew told him that technically he had gotten enough of it right to earn the trophy, but offered him two more choices.  He could take the trophy home that day having met the minimum requirements, or he could go home and prepare.  Come back next week, and nail it.

(A) thought for a moment (how tempting it must have been) then said that he would rather practice and then knock it out of the park.  Andrew and I were both pleased with this decision.  They went on with their lesson.  During this lesson they had a chance to “jam” together and it was awesome.  Andrew gave him his assignment when we were leaving and said he knew (A) was going to kill it.  (A) vowed to practice hard.

And practice he did.  Every night he went into his room and prepared, asking RNYD to go in with him and listen to make sure he was doing it well.

This past Monday (A) headed back to class ready to rock it.  I couldn’t be there because I had back to school night (which is apparently pointless without the teacher).  RNYD accompanied him.  I kept checking my phone to see how it went, and low and behold 10 minutes into the lesson I got the message.  He nailed it, followed by two ecstatic photos.  When I got home, he was really excited to tell me all about it.  I am so proud of him.

I’m also so super glad that Andrew and The New City School of Music have the same type of values that we have in our house.  (A) didn’t get that trophy just because he reached the 1 year mark.  He didn’t get it because he met the minimum requirement, nor because he tried and he should be rewarded for that.  He received the trophy as a reward for hard work, for practicing.  He earned it.  So did Andrew.  In giving (A) options, and letting him take ownership of his progress, he taught him way more than the drums.  He taught him that things worth doing are worth doing right, that hard work pays off, and that you shouldn’t settle for the minimum.  He showed (A) what he was capable of with practice.  I can’t wait to see where this goes next <3

Home Upgrades (bill downgrades) with Northern Windows

Posted on by Posted in Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Services, Uncategorized .

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

Like many other Rocklanders right now I am frustrated.  My O&R bill has always been on the higher side, but I do own a 1950’s ranch with no insulation, just fiberglass in the attic.  In the past 3 months my bill has jumped yet ANOTHER $200.  Which leaves me thinking- is my house that inefficient?  Why all of the sudden has it jumped up that much?  What can I do about it?  Enter Steve Murray of Northern Windows, Siding, Roofing and Insulation.  He’s a RNYM directory member and honestly one of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.  I gave him a call and was able to meet two days later at my house.  I was ready to hear that there was nothing I could do because my walls are plaster- but what I got was truly an education.

First of all Steve recommended doing an efficiency audit-which there is a local program available to have it done for free (or close to it).  During this audit they will seal up the house and check to see where the most energy is lost (CLICK HERE).  You can choose an approved contractor or they will choose one for you (Northern Windows is one of them, and the one i’m using).  He suggested doing that before making changes to see which would be the most pressing for our case.  In fact, at the end of the assessment, the improvements are ranked for you in terms of best Return on Investment (ROI), which I can’t wait to see.

We DID know our front doors are old and inefficient as at least one is the original 1951 version where you can see around it and almost through it in some places.  So we talked doors.  Steve has tons of options, lots of attractive ones, and we talked looks for a while.  I was nervous because I was estimating quite a large number for them both (like RNYD would never let it happen), but I was pleasantly surprised.  I was able to easily find efficient doors that I liked the look of, for what I consider very reasonable pricing.

There are also a few great perks:

  • They are guaranteed for life.
  • The doors have composite jambs so they won’t rot from weather from the inside out like doors of old.
  • The fiberglass won’t melt in the sun (I swear I had heard that somewhere).
  • The doors don’t get cold or hot to the touch because they are insulated throughout.
  • Steve’s crew takes all the debris and old door away- changes out the frame- and uses aluminum capping on the outside.
  • There are low E options for doors with windows.

I loved how honest Steve was with me about the doors, and also about the look that would compliment my house the best.  In his time on the job he has almost seen it all.  The books have something for everyone’s taste and budget.  The meeting with Steve is very low key, he’s not pushy in any way, and is happy to answer questions before, during and after the meeting so that you feel at ease.  Mostly, he wants you to be happy.  A parent and a homeowner himself, he is concerned with the same issues you are and will happily tell you about his own experiences with efficiency in his own (older- read less efficient) home.

We’ve got our assessment scheduled to take a look at our houses overall efficiency, but have a definite plan in place for the doors within the year.  I’ve picked the ones I like and know the budget now to save for.  I also know who I am using.  In fact, our short list includes a new window or two in the basement, and when I do the doors, i’ll add those on too.

I am really very appreciative for the education I received during our meeting and can’t wait to see more about my home when we do the assessment, especially if it means sending less of my paycheck to O&R each month.  I promise to keep you updated on our progress.  As always, if you give Steve a call, we appreciate letting him know you heard about him here. :O)