Reviews – Page 9 – Rockland NY Mom

Camp Spotlight- JLand

Posted on February 19, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps, Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

JUNE 25-AUG 17, 2018 (No camp July 4)
8 WEEKS with 4-8 week registration options
9AM-4PM
(half day option for certain age groups, early and late care available for additional fee)
Located in the Deborah Koenig Early Childhood Center at JCC Rockland, JLand is a big kid experience in a little kid environment! Campers spend time outside in the sunshine playing sports, climbing on the playground, splashing in the pool, and mastering the ropes course.

Indoors, campers exercise their bodies with daily activities such as yoga and karate, and their minds with art, cooking, nature and stories.

Seasoned counselors take the time to discover what’s unique and special about every child and specialize in creating a meaningful camp experience for their group. Specialists stimulate curiosity and engage young minds in exploring art, sports, movement, gardening, science, swimming and so much more.

Little Ivy Academy -Summer Camp Spotlight

Posted on February 12, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps .

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

Real Summer Discovery,
Real Camp Fun Starts Here!

This Summer, Your Child Can. . . have summer days filled with REAL hands-on discovery and Real fun when they join us at our limited-enrollment 2018 summer day-camp programs. . .

To discover more, either click on one of the colored links just below, or read on.

Summer Explorers, for campers entering 1^st-2^nd Grades
RealScience & Express Yourself, for campers entering Grades 3-5 & 6-8

Discover RealScience & Express Yourself!
for Your Campers Entering Grades 3-5 & 6-8

Each of our campers will have opportunities to actively engage in a range of hands-on STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts & Math) programs, with all-new projects where they’ll. . .

Build & Program faster, stronger smarter mobile LEGO Robotics
Invent & Construct interconnected, Electronic Arcade Games
Create & Deploy high-tech, 21st Century Spycraft, track down spies on the run
Craft & Produce Digital Videos with separate weeks focused on Special Fx, professional camera techniques & more, and on Stop Animation, too
Develop & Code Mobile Apps, Video Games & Interactive Stories
Design, Code & Market dynamic eCommerce Websites with video, photos, audio and more

. . . all in one-week camp sessions that also include plenty of time for our campers’ favorite outdoor games & activities. . . and a mix of projects from beginner to advanced!

You can extend your child’s camp day, too with our CarePass program! Pre-camp mornings starting at 7:30 am & after-camp until 6 pm.

Throughout the summer, we’ll be conveniently located on our Rockland County/Pascack Valley Campus, our Ridgewood- Glen Rock Campus and our Wayne/Passaic-Morris County Campus in NJ.

Summer Explorers: Freedom to Discover!
for Your Campers Entering Grades 1 & 2

Our campers will have nine new & unique, one-week Summer Explorers Adventures in store for the 2018 summer camp season where their imaginations will take them to see the sights and explore the cultures of destinations far and near. . .

. . . with opportunities to also engage in hands-on, STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) and Arts-based enrichment projects where they’ll. . .

Build & Program LEGO Robots from Mars, the Boardwalk & the Old West, too
Stage, Direct & Film mini-Video Screenplay
Develop & Code Animated, Digital Stories with Scratch Jr.
Craft Egyptian Hieroglyphics, Visual Travel Diaries, Native American Artifacts and more
Invent & Construct Electronic Gadgets with Little Bits
Create Digital, electronic musical instruments with MakeyMakey
Design & Build Outdoor Shelters- Solar Cooking, too!

. . . and more. . . with plenty of time for water play, crafts and other traditional summer day camp activities.

You can extend your child’s camp day, too with our CarePass program! Pre-camp mornings starting at 7:30 am & after-camp until 6 pm.

Throughout the summer, we’ll be conveniently located on our Rockland County/Pascack Valley Campus, our Ridgewood- Glen Rock Campus, Camp LIA in Ridgewood, NJ and our Wayne/Passaic-Morris County Campus in Wayne, NJ.

Contact & Registration Info

Online Registration/Camp Details: littleivyacademy.com/summercamp.html
By E-Mail: info@littleivyacademy.com
By Phone: 201-444-8400

Luigi O’Grady’s Expands Offerings!

Posted on January 17, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Events, Food, Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized, We're Having a Party .

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

If you are anything like me you ADORE Luigi O’Grady’s. In fact, when I had my children my “push present” both times was a roast beef sandwich from then, brought to the hospital (yep). I cater everything with Michelle’s help. I’ve done Superbowl, Birthday Parties, Christmas, Breakfast- you name it Michelle and her crew have cooked it for me. What’s better? It’s all been done to rave reviews.

Well, now you can have you WHOLE EVENT planned and taken care of by Michelle and her staff at the Sons of Italy Blauvelt. Yep that’s right they have become the exclusive caterers for the hall.

The Sons of Italy is a full service catering hall. Fully staffed events, high quality food and service, bar service is all included.

There are different packages to choose from and Michelle will work with you to meet all your needs as well as work with budgets.

She offers valuable insights with her extensive experience as well. I will never forget planning my first at home birthday party, I sent what I wanted over to Michelle and her response was, that’s all great choices, but its a lot of chicken, lets offer a little more variety. She was SO right. The guests adored the options available, and always ask where I got the food from.

I am so excited about this new development I could SCREAM!! From what I understand dates are filling up fast, so if you have something coming up reach out sooner than later. I know because am looking to plan some fun stuff there for you all too ;o).

To speak to Michelle about an event you can email her at info@luigiogradys.com or give a call at 845-735-9110.

STAY TUNED!!!

A’s First “Gig”- New City School of Music

Posted on January 8, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

Well, as you may remember, (A) has been taking lessons with Andrew at The New City School of Music now since October. I was surprised to find that he was to perform this December in his first concert wit the school. After speaking to Andrew and hearing about how it helps with performance anxiety and goal setting I was all for it.

(A) was able to choose a piece that Andrew tweaked to make a bit more interesting and they were off to the races. In fact, Andrew made a few different versions so that (A) could work to his best potential.

For the concert Sam and the Music School make life easier to parents by having several different smaller concerts on the day of the performance. You get to see other students of varying instruments and levels, but you are not committed to an entire day of it. You sign up for the one that is most convenient for you and that’s your time. Also, unlike many other performances that your child will be in over their lifetime, these are FREE. Yep, our entourage of of 7 were able to come free and see him perform.

The venue was intimate, and upon entering there was a comfortable place to wait for the previous session to end. The school also puts up a school backdrop to take “red carpet ” photos, which of course I love. We received a program with the order when we entered and learned that (A) was to go toward the end. Very cool since he was able to sit with us until it was close to his time when they came and got him to get ready. He was able to see the others perform and cheer them on. He saw how hard everyone was working and appreciated it.

I am very pleased to say that the majority of the families stayed the whole time, they didn’t leave after their child performed. This is IMPORTANT as it shows that you appreciate all the hard work the students are putting into their music, and since New City School of Music keeps the numbers of the performance lower, its manageable.

When it was (A)’s turn to perform I think I was more nervous than he did. I honestly had to hold back tears. He did an amazing job, kept time and even hit the “fill” that Andrew created for him without difficulty. It was a truly memorable first performance. He was a little nervous and had some difficulty hearing the music at first, and didn’t let it phase him. I couldn’t be more proud.

Afterwards there was plenty of time for photos with Andrew and at the drums so I could get my mom-tog on. (A) was even more hyped to get back into lessons, and Andrew has him working on the song with some harder “fills”.

I really am so impressed with the New City School of Music. They have exceeded our expectations in every way. I can’t wait to see how this continues to develop.

The music school is currently running a special: Sign up for lessons before January 12th and you get $100.00 in savings- which is FREE registration and a FREE first lesson (mention you heard it here)!!! They teach piano, guitar, drums, vocals, violin, saxophone, flute and clarinet to BOTH children and adults. For more information visit www.NewCityMusicSchool.com email office@newcitymusicschool.com or call 845-709-8383

Finding Time for Mommy

Posted on November 25, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Health and Wellness, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. Also, please be kind- its not easy to post progress pics :o)

Some of you may remember when I started my Kickboxing Journey two years ago at Fitness Kickboxing NY. I was hooked right away. I stuck to the plans and did VERY well. I was back down to my (literal) fighting weight within a few months of dedicated attendance, and adherence to meal plans. Here was my first article (CLICK HERE).

Well, not too soon did I reach my goal but life started getting in the way. During the summer I had attended the 6 am class which was perfect with our schedules and meant that I could go 5 days a week. Once school started back up I had to switch to the 7:30 pm class. This was fine except I was getting there maybe 3x a week, and it got increasingly more difficult to attend when the kids started getting homework, plus, I was missing bedtime.

Needless to say I slacked off and for a year was on-again off-again with my workout routine. I was miserable, and I started putting the weight back on. I didn’t even notice until one day I looked in the mirror. I called Amir and spoke to him about my disappointment and he agreed that I needed a routine, and that I needed to get back to my old self. Then he did the most amazing thing.

He offered to come in a half hour earlier in the mornings so that I could kick box BEFORE work every morning. This meant getting up VERY early for both of us but I was willing to give it a try. Especially because it meant I could get my workout in and not miss any Mommy time with the kids. Well, that was last March. It has worked amazingly. I begin my workout every morning at 5:30 (sometimes 5:45) and end at 6:40. I shower at the studio and head straight to work. I have lost ALL of the weight that I had regained and am feeling great. I couldn’t be happier.

See that’s one thing that so nice about working out at a SMALL studio. Personal attention. Amir listens to the problem areas that we identify and helps us to tackle them, and he encourages us without being loud or super demanding. Workouts with my fellow morning crew members are fun, we are like a family. I know everything about what is going on in their lives. WE SWEAT. The workouts are demanding, and difficult, I feel a sense of accomplishment EVERY day. Then I look in the mirror and I am SO glad that Amir was willing to take some extra time to help me out. In fact, one or two of my crew have started coming in early sometimes too.

My advice here. Find time. Go somewhere where you will get some personal attention and feel good about going. Find people to work out with that you enjoy. Speak to trainers about accessibility for your schedule. If they are any good, they will listen and find a way to accommodate you. You can’t take care of all the people in your life if you don’t take care of yourself.

If you are interested in Fitness Kickboxing NY please give Amir a call and tell him you heard about him here. Then take advantage of his $20 3 class trial. You won’t be sorry. 845-653-2488

Sparkle Up Halloween

Posted on November 10, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Crafts and More Crafts, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, Uncategorized .

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

This past weekend RNYM held our first of MANY super fun events at Sparkle Up in New City. The Halloween Party hosted over 30 adorable kids in costume and we all had a blast. Deborah and I are hard at work planning the next event- so we thought we would let you know how this one went.

Kiddies were invited to come in costume and have their Hair, makeup and/or facepaint, nails, glitter tattoos and tattoos and hang out with friends.

Sparkle Up is just so much fun- There is a dress up room to check out, a runway to walk- some adorable gifts you can purchase and then all the fun activities. In fact, I am always shocked at how people think its only for girls- its not (A) and several other boys had a blast this past weekend. Additionally, since (A) isn’t allowed to wear the hood and mask that go with his costume he was looking for something to make his head look cool – and it was Sparkle Up that ended up inspiring his Halloween look.

Deborah and her talented team, braided, sprayed, applied, and smiled for 3 hours as they attentively catered to each adorable need and want. There isn’t really too much more to say except take a look at these photos!!!

We hope to see you at our next event on December 9th It’s Coronation Day! This event is a collaboration with Mandas Enchanted Events, where kiddos will be able to meet and greet with princess, dress up (come in your favorite) have your hair braided etc, make-up/glitter tattoo applied, nails painted, AND be crowned princess with a royal decree from a special guest!

Sparkle Up is an amazing party and event venue, and so much more. To make an appointment for a haircut, style, makeup application, lesson or more please contact Deborah at: (845) 634-0140 or you can email her at: sparkleup@me.com As always, we appreciate if you mention that you heard about our adventures here if you should choose to go in on our recommendation. <3

Look out for our full review of my makeup application for our family photos and so much more!!!

Getting into a Rhythm- New City School of Music

Posted on November 8, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

As you may already have read (A) has begun drum lessons at New City School of Music. We knew that he was musical- he has a general love with it. Sleeps old school with his radio on listening all night, and asked for a record player for Christmas last year. We just weren’t sure which instrument he would choose. In fact, we have tried several instruments to see which was the right fit. He chose drums. I thought I would provide you with some insight as to what the Music School is truly about.

He’s already loving it 2 months in. I’ve raved about Andrew his teacher before and I will touch on that again but first I want to let you know about some great behind the scenes going on at New City School of Music. (A) was welcomed with a sign at the entrance when he began which made him feel super special. He was then welcomed in the online and print newsletters <3

New City School of Music is INVOLVED in their students, its not just a once a week relationship. The school ran Halloween contests with students to post hashtags on photos of them in costume for the prize of an amazon gift card. They have a special reward program for students as they progress (I will tell you more at another time), and there’s more.

I received emails regarding optional (free) professional photos of the kids playing (be still my photo crazy heart), and an upcoming recital that we could sign up for. My first instinct was that it was waaaay too soon for (A) to be performing, he simply doesn’t know that much yet. But after speaking to Andrew we decided to do it. NOT because the school makes money off of participants and/or the families that watch them, the performance and the tickets to attend are FREE.

What about his skill level? Could he possibly play at such an early stage? Yep. Andrew encouraged him to so that he could get used to performing in front of people. THEN HE LET HIM HAVE INPUT IN HIS PIECE!!!! He asked about songs that (A) likes to listen to. He mentioned one and Andrew said it was a perfect fit. The only problem is that its SUPER repetitive and could get boring if it was just the drum part….. So what did Andrew do? He composed three similar parts that fit the song perfectly, but will provide the audience with the change that they will be craving during the piece. It teaches (A) some super valuable lessons about playing as well. He is to practice all three lines along with the music and without in addition to his other “homework” each week.

Andrew always makes lessons fun, (A) looks forward to them weekly, never complaining that he wants to stay home. He practices nightly and loves calling us in to show us what he can do. It also helps him to get out some of his energy in the evenings. Needing to concentrate so hard on the music and movements plus keeping time exhausts him. I can see his passion for music and for playing developing every day. Its exactly what Andrew said was going to happen. He said he wanted to nurture that love of music and turn it into passion for playing. He certainly has.

(A) is beyond excited he can’t wait to show everyone what he can do at their concert. The family has been notified and we are all ready to attend. It’s going to be a BLAST!!

A Classic Rockland Party- Jills Ceramics

Posted on November 6, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Crafts, Events, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, Uncategorized .

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

If you grew up in Rockland County any time in the recent future you have been to at least one birthday party at Jills Ceramics. Jill is an icon. Her studio across from Germonds pool has been there as long as I can remember, and I was so glad when my son was 3 months old to find that she was still there. That’s the first time I took (A) to paint something. He made a turkey plate using his hand and i’ve treasured it for 7 years.

When (E) was born and I created RNYM I just knew I needed to work with Jill. After all- shes an under rated creative and amazing activity for both kids AND adults! Luckily Jill thought we were a good match and came on board. Three years later here we are. RNYM does several events a year with Jill and she is listed in both our classes and party directories.

This past month we had our first of several upcoming events “Halloween at Jills” which was reserved for an amazing 60 people- looks like we aren’t the only ones who LOVE Jills Ceramics.

When you show up Jill is all ready to go- with paint, smocks, brushes, and water all set up. Children are then able to walk around (with parents if super young) to choose a piece to paint. They can paint alone, with you, or you can have Jill help you (if you need a handprint turkey for instance). There are two different kinds of paint to choose from, the one that will be ready to go that day, or the glaze that needs to be kiln baked and picked up at a later date.

There are plenty of different pieces to choose from, its actually pretty hard to choose. As I walked around photographing different options, I was silently planning my projects and those for the kids at our upcoming events. I was sooooo excited.

At this event once complete Jill had a little goody bag ready for each child participant <3 it was so super fun. (E) was super proud of her work (as am I) and I look forward to displaying it at Halloween time for years to come.

Jill not only does events like ours, she has open hours weekly, does FABULOUS birthday parties, and ADULT BYOB events, one of which we will he hosting soon (cause seriously? who wouldn’t want some wine and some painting?).

To contact Jill you can call her at: (845) 623-4975 Or just stop by the studio during her open hours. As always we appreciate that you let her know that you heard about her here <3 Our next event (already 1/3 full) is on 11/18 from 12-3 and we love to have people come and keep us company!! To RSVP either post in the FB event or Send us an email at RocklandNYMom@ yahoo.com. Happy Painting!!!

Progress Report with Swim Like a Fish

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Main Page, Uncategorized .

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

By: Ashley

This summer we took full advantage of the convenience of having swim lessons at home. I found the boys were more comfortable in their own space, which I truly believe contributed to their growth as swimmers over the past few months.

As a Mom of 3, I am always looking for ways to make life slightly less hectic. Having Zach come to our home instead of packing the swim bag, and all the kids and the snacks into the car to get to swim class on time made a HUGE difference.

As the weather warmed up the is past spring and we opened the pool, the boys were so excited to have Zach come to their pool for swim lessons. The boys love swim class. They are always excited to go, and sad when the lesson was over. I always saw progress from week to week with each of them – gradually learning the basic strokes and breathing. But that all changed when we started lessons at home.

The progress was AMAZING! I could see huge differences within the one-hour lessons! I really believe having the boys comfortable in their own surroundings made a huge impact on their progress. They were confident, and seemed more willing to try new things. Zach is fantastic. He is patient, and fun but is also firm on his expectations for the lessons.

They began this summer each having a 30 minute lessons and continuing to learn the swim strokes. They finished the summer at one-hour lessons, DIVING and continuing to PERFECT technique. I am still in shock! Zach even talked to (S) about joining a swim team next year.

Check out S diving for the first time!

Now that the pool is closed, we decided to take a small break to settle into the school year. But, the boys will be back in the pool this winter and little man will be starting mommy and me swim as well! I can’t wait to see what this year brings!

CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE
LifePlex Health Club
18 College Rd
Monsey, NY 10952
Private or Semi-private lessons for 6-months to Adult!
Water Comfort, Learn to Swim, Swim Team Readiness, Stroke and Turn Technique, Lifeguard Skills

www.Likeafishswim.com
Any questions contact Stephanie
swimlikeafishny@gmail.com or 845-570-1289

Another note to keep in mind for summer: Lifeguards for parties!
My family hosted 2 large family pool parties this summer with TONS of children. Naturally, we were nervous having so many children in the pool at once. I reached out to Stephanie ( who was on vacation at the time!) hoping she could help. Within minutes she called me back and we were set! Catherine was WONDERFUL! She was very professional, focused on the pool and didn’t hesitate to step in if the kids were rough housing etc. Catherine even got in the pool to play with the younger kids. Such a relief knowing there were extra eyes!

KidStuff Coupon Books

Posted on October 4, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Food, Items, Money Momma, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Services .

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

As a school teacher and a parent I am more than aware that schools need funding. What they receive from the government just doesn’t cut it. Not with changing technology, consumables, and the numbers of attendees always on the rise. We are so very lucky to live in an area where we have active PTA groups who work tirelessly to raise funds for the fun and educational events that are provided for our children.

This post is for the PTA parents who are looking for ways to raise funds. KidStuff coupon books are an effective fund raisers that are ONLY for schools. No other groups can sell them. Additionally, 50% of the sale of each book goes DIRECTLY to the school. That’s $12.50 a book! No other fundraiser can boast that kind of return.

This means that if each child in a class sells just one, a class of 20 students earns $250 for their school, it adds up so quickly.

The other perk is that its a fundraiser that’s actually USEFUL. I keep two of these books on hand every year. One is in my car for when I stop somewhere and could use a coupon, and the other is in my desk where I do a lot of my shopping planning etc. I almost NEVER make a purchase without checking the book first. In fact, I have friends who sometimes come to my room to go through the book before they plan a trip or run to the store. This is especially helpful around the upcoming holiday season.

What kind of coupons can be found in the books?

Clothing Stores
Eateries
Theme parks

To see the whole list please visit: www.KidStuffCouponBook.com

To sell KidStuff books at your school you can contact them at 1-888-404-5437 option 1- or email info@kidstuffcouponbook.com . As always we appreciate that you let them know that you heard about it here.

We are lucky enough to have 2 Kidstuff books to give away with this post. To enter the drawing, please comment either on this post or on the facebook post and tell us why you are interested in Kidstuff books- whether it is for fundraising for your school or for the great savings inside. The contest will end 10/6/17 and winners will be notified via PM or email. Good Luck!!!

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