Services – Page 2 – Rockland NY Mom

A Photo-Obsessed Moms Guide to Disney

Posted on March 6, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Services, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. We just went, and I thought this information might be useful. All opinions expressed are my own.

Although I won’t pretend I know EVERYTHING about Disney World Photos I recently took my children on our first ever trip and learned a lot. I had researched quite a bit, picked the brain of a great travel agent and compiled a pretty good list for you all. As all my readers know I am PHOTO OBSESSED. I don’t really even know why, I love to fill my house with memories. Love to look back on things we have done as a family the way my kids have grown, all of it. Well of course, its no different when we head to an amazing trip like Disney, but here’s what I learned.

Buy the Memory Maker. Yep its that simple actually. You can see a photographer ANYWHERE, they scan your band and your photos end up on your MyDisney app and account on your PC. This means MOMS (or primary photo takers) you can ACTUALLY be in the photos!!! We got some absolute gems. and while asking someone to take your photo early on seems a little odd, I promise that by the time your trip is over you will spot those cast members from a mile away and your kids will be scanning their bands for the photos. They have lots of experience capturing these special moments, they will do it better thank you will with a selfie or not being in the photo. Also you get those hysterical ride photos where you are trying to hold your 5 year old in a rollercoaster (just me?). You also aren’t stuck taking photos the whole time and can enjoy, like when (E) got to be Beast and (A) Maurice in Storytime with Belle, or Jedi training.

There are some special memory maker magic to keep in mind- if you are dressed the part, characters and photographers alike want to play with you more. Its not really on purpose it just helps everyone get into the spirit. In fact, Rey and Chewie who do not say hi to ANYONE, came over and acknowledged (A) and (E) since they were dressed as Han and Chewbacca.

Behind the castle there are photographers who will do special princess/prince photo shoots and even have “props” you can use. You will NEVER get every photo so just relax and take advantage of what you stumble upon. I won’t lie, we don’t have a great castle photo (I don’t even know how that happened) and we didn’t get to take the famous lantern pics, but despite that, we are ok :o)

There is also another photo shoot area at Disney Springs that is included in your memory maker- we didn’t know in advance so we didn’t take advantage, but its a great way to start your trip if you head there first <3

No need for your large camera, but bring SOMETHING. Dining meet and greets may have photographers at the “big” character out front, but they will not take your photo with EACH character, so you need something (I suggest compact- my IPHONE XR was perfect).

Silhouettes. I have loved silhouettes forever. They are classic. I made some of my kids when they were super young, and its something that Disney does REALLY WELL, affordably. There are several locations, but we went to Disney Springs and did it our first night because I knew going into it that I wanted to do them. It costs $10 per silhouette and comes with 2 copies. Takes less than 5 minutes per child (so no sitting forever) and the ladies are LOVELY. The frames which I splurged on are another $10 each. I got 4 frames and the silhouettes and felt like I had won the lottery. Can’t get there and dying to have some? You can mail order them with the information below. You can do both kids or a family etc. in one, but I liked them separate.

Creepy Photos. Stumbled across these when I was “Pinning” Disney Vacation stuff and am SO IN LOVE. I am aware however that these may not be for everyone. Next to the Haunted Mansion there is a souvenir shop called Momento Mori. If you walk in all the way to the back you can ask for the creepy photos, or the ghost photos, they know what you mean. You MUST do these alone, they don’t do family or group shots despite everyone asking. These cost $20 per person, you sit for a moment and have another lovely conversation and about 5-10 minutes later you have a creepy photo of your child/spouse whoever. We did just the kids and they are going to be my new Halloween Décor for above the fireplace. They are 8×10 and so cool. As you walk from side to side they change from normal photos to ghost photos. In this case I didn’t love the picture frames that were available so I ordered two from AMAZON when I got home. I LOVE them and was really sad to put them away in the Halloween box but I can’t wait to bring them out every year and look at them.

Affiliate link to Frames HERE

Photo Mat Autograph Collector. I knew we wanted to have something autographed, but I couldn’t get over the idea that a book would go on a shelf and not get revisited. I wanted to make it something that the kids, RNYD and I would be able to see and enjoy all the time. I decided to buy a generic photo mat to have them sign. I also purchased a package of every color sharpies for them to use. The kids loved this part because they got to pick and choose the color for each character, they really enjoyed this. The characters also used it for some fun interaction everywhere we went. That made a simple meet and greet a little more special. I kept the markers in a plastic zip lock bag in the front pouch of my backpack, and the 11×14 mat in the back. I won’t pretend that it stayed in perfect condition it has some bends and bruises but it looks fine. Upon arrival home we put our FAVORITE memory maker photo of the four of us in it and put it up. I figure if/when we return we can do it again with whatever characters they want to see then. I think this would even work at Universal where I know my kids are looking forward to meeting a few heroes and characters (especially Scooby Doo!).

Are there more opportunities? I am sure, I couldn’t do them all that’s as honest as it gets. Also, it was our first trip, those who go more often would be able to tell you even more, but here’s what I learned.

All in all this trip was magic. We created many memories that we can carry forever, and collected many souvenirs that we can use to recall them. Several of which are photo related ;o) WAHOO!!

Most important is that there is SO much to do at Disney its a great idea to book with a knowledgeable agent. I highly recommend Scott Walters. He saved my butt a few times. I freaked out on a few occasions when I felt lost and the agent that I had booked with fell a bit short. I was disappointed in that. Your agent should ask you about what you like and dislike far in advance, fight for you to get deals, make suggestions for you based on your family’s needs and be supportive. When my son caught a cold and we had to cancel a sit down dinner, he booked us a character breakfast for the following morning (our last) in moments so that we didn’t waste the credits and still had the best experience ever. He will be booking any future family trips for us, that’s for sure.

Scott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

Doll and Me Style at Sparkle Up Review

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Catherine Sheridan Posted in Classes, Day Trips, Events, Party, Reviews, Services, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Sparkle Up is a directory member. All opinions expressed are our own.

By: Intern Cat

Sparkle Up in New City holds kids parties, does hair cuts and style for both boys and girls (even grown ups), and holds many events. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook page for updates!

The Doll and me Style, was the recent event at Sparkle Up. Similar to American Girl Doll in NYC (but at a fraction of the cost), the girls got to bring their dolls and they both could get their hair done.

Nails were also a dolly and me experience. Sparkle Up uses special nail polish on both girls and dolls that is safe for them.

The girls also got to dress up in fun costumes and got to get some awesome sparkle tattoos.

There was also a fun photo shoot where the kids got to show of their make over as well as their dolls. The event was really fun, and it was really awesome to see all the smiles. So thank you to all the moms and parents for giving me permission to take photos! It was a really fun afternoon to see the girls dress up and coordinate with their dolls

The next event for Sparkle Up! is…

Sunday 3/10/19 from 12-1:30 pm

Decorate a pony to take home, have your hair done “pretty Pony” style, paint your nails and have your face paint done too!! Cost $25 per child call 634-0140 to register!!

Home Upgrades (bill downgrades) with Northern Windows

Posted on October 2, 2018 by RocklandNYMom 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)

Moms Gone Wild- An Unlikely Girls Day Out

Posted on August 29, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Health and Wellness, Items, Out and about..., Reviews, Self Care, Services, Shopping .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. We had a noteworthy experience, and sometimes that means you just have to share.

**WARNING- NO NUDITY- BUT WE TALK ABOUT BREASTS AND BRAS HERE**

We went shopping… but not just any shopping. We went BRA shopping. Yep that’s right, C, K and I went shopping FOR THE GIRLS. Three of us friends were bitching about ill fitting undergarments and finally decided to do something about it. Determining that there was safety in numbers we made a date and went.

Not only did we go, we went for the gusto. SO three frugal (large chested) mommies who hate spending money on themselves, went to Nordstrom at the Garden State Mall to tackle over the shoulder boulder holders. Yes this is worth mentioning because we usually shop at wherever has a sale on bras just like everyone else.

So a crazy unlikely girls day out ended up being one of my favorite mom dates ever.

We found the lingerie section (in the basement) and were at once greeted (perhaps we looked lost?). The three of us aren’t skiddish- so we took a dressing room together. Kathy went right to work asking who wanted to go first. She measured all three of us and left. Upon her return she had several different bras for each of us to try on.

Here’s what I love- she made note of some super interesting info about each of us that I am not sure everyone would pick up on right away- my love of earthtones, Chelsea’s love of the dramatic, and Katy’s sensibility- and brought bras that appealed to each. There were of course bras that were sensible- but I gotta be honest, I haven’t bought a PRETTY bra in quite some time, and even my “sensible” purchase was pretty.

Some of them weren’t right, it was trying on and required some work. But those that did. Dude- I am a 34 DD and I don’t feel like I am wearing a BRA. Also, the girls don’t look pointy, aren’t hanging out, nor do they cut into my shoulders or sides.

Yeah yeah yeah lets get down to the nitty gritty for those of you who don’t really wanna hear the romantic parts. Like how I took dressing room selfies to compare how they looked in my shirt :o)

Facts:

Despite my greatest fears the bras were not that much more than ones I’ve purchased at Kohls. I was certain they would be $200 a piece and they were not- more like $60-70 for mine the most expensive I considered being $84.
No tax it’s Jersey so “whew”.
The larger band sizes (40 and above) have less options, and although the overall fit is much better, they do still feel like a bra is on.
Didn’t love their panty selection- so even though I really wanted new ones to coordinate and go for the whole shebang, I am heading elsewhere to find some.
Splurged on a lingerie bag to wash them in so that I can keep them in good shape.
I learned valuable fitting and care information (shared below). Guys- I’m 38 and I didn’t know any of this stuff.
- You should have a minimum of 4 bras that you alternate, not including your strapless or special occasion one.
- Bras should be replaced every year (whoops).
- When you are purchasing you should be on the last hook as over time they will stretch and you will have to move it in.
- They need a day to rest in between wears.
- They should be washed every 2 wears on a normal day, more often in Summer and more like 3 in the Winter if you aren’t sweating.
- Bras should be laundered in a lingerie bag, clipped together, on the gentle cycle and hung dry (yeah I’ve never done ANY of that).

We wore new bras out of the store (yep chucked the one I wore in right then and there) then finished our outing with a nice lunch at the mall. Being super proud of ourselves we even shared photos of our new organization, and disposing of our old ones.

I can’t speak for everyone- but overall everyone is happy. It was a nice afternoon with ADULTS, and we did something for OURSELVES. I feel comfortable and pretty. I constantly try to remind myself to do something for me every now and again and this fit the bill. We DID promise to go again in a years time to be measured and purchase new as we should- focusing on the fun and scheduling more girls time.

I don’t care where you go- but go and get fitted. Spend some time on you. If you are anything like me you have extreme guilt when doing so. RNYD constantly tells me to go ahead, to get what I need, to do something for myself. I hold myself back from doing so most often. This felt good.

**Dads if you’re reading this, you can help them by purchasing a gift card and taking the kids for an afternoon. Heck, call her friends and arrange it. Once RNYD scheduled a date for me and my BFF to go to a show and it was awesome, anther time he surprised me with a GC to my favorite salon. I never would have done it for myself.**

Moms with larger band sizes- where would you suggest a momma who need a 40+ go for a GREAT fitting and nice look? Also- Favorite place to get some cute (but functional) undies to coordinate with my new bras??? Love to hear your thoughts.

Get it Sold with SOHN AND Make a Difference too!

Posted on May 4, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Good Cause, In the Home, Rockland Real Estate, Services, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Most of you know that Sheri is a passionate, dedicated, and professional Real Estate Agent, and the owner of SOHN Real Estate. What you may not know is that she also likes to give back to charity at least once a year in a big way. The charity that Sheri donates to is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and this is how it works.

List your home with Sheri in the month of May, and she will donate 20% of her commission to the society. Why this specific charity? Sheri lost her sister to the horrid disease and wants to give back in her name, to try to find a cure for others, so that they don’t suffer the same fate.

Prefer to donate to another charity? That’s great too!!! Just let Sheri know which one and she will donate the 20% to them instead!!! This is a great opportunity to sell your home and also make a great difference for your favorite charity!!!

To speak to Sheri give her a call at: 914-906-2900 and check our her current listings at: http://sohnrealestate.com/

When do Toddlers Transition to One Nap?

Posted on April 19, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Fitness, Reviews, Rockland Babies, Services, Uncategorized .

Content provided by Sarah Cummings

When do Toddlers Transition to One Nap?

The terrible twos. No matter how angelic your little one is as a baby, you’ll still have to fact that chaotic year sooner or later. And quite often, it’s more than a year; stretching into the “terrible threes” and beyond!

Of course, our kids give us an incredible amount of joy, and love, and sheer entertainment too. But this stage of their little lives can be testing for the entire family…especially as their sleeping patterns change.

Maybe they’ve been a very sleepy tot so far and have taken 3 naps a day, at 45 minutes a go. Or maybe they prefer two naps for longer, for an hour or more at a time. In any case, your carefully crafted sleep schedule is about to change.

When does the transition normally occur?

As with so many parenting tips, there isn’t one catch-all answer. Popular belief used to hold that babies could transition to one nap at 12 months; however the average age is actually between 15–18 months. And this transition can be a pretty difficult time. Since one nap may not be enough for your little one to keep your eyes open during the day, or make them cranky and over-tired, you may choose to stick to two. Which might make it impossible to get them settled at night.

Every child is different. So you’ll need to check when a good time is right for your toddler, not just the recommended age.

How to make it easier

Start by reading the signs

You can spot them pretty easily… for instance if your child won’t go down for a nap without kicking up a big fight, every time! Or if they’re taking longer to doze off, or if they don’t nap for very long… it might be time to cut one nap from their day. Monitor their behaviour for around 2 weeks and if their napping schedule continues to be disrupted in some way, it’s probably time to make the move.

Next, do a test run

Keep your toddler up and active when they’re normally napping, say in the afternoon, and see how it goes. If they make it to bedtime without a meltdown, maybe that should be their routine going forward. If not, well, maybe they’re not quite ready yet. You could try another test run in a few days but this time push their morning nap to 15 minutes later and stretch it out as long as you can. If they do wake up after an hour, try soothing them back to sleep or use a white noise machine to lure them back to slumberland.

Repeat this process the next day, and the next, moving that nap back 15 minutes at a time.

The change probably won’t occur overnight – in fact, this phase of limbo can last from a few weeks to two months – but be patient. Ultimately your toddler should be napping right after lunch, for 2 to 2½ hours, and that’s it for the day.

Remember to respect their needs

The move from two naps to one can be pretty unsettling for a toddler; so it’s up to you to make the switch as comfortable as possible. Try to understand that they will naturally feel more overwhelmed and overstimulated without having a chance to rest between all the excitement of their day.

So in the morning, introduce a little “quiet time”, during which you read to your child or play soft music. If they’re bouncing around the room playing imaginary heroes games, they’re likely to be exhausted and in need of a nap; depriving them of one will only make them cranky!

So keep mornings quite calm and, when it comes to naptime after lunch, it’ll be easy to get them settled. Then they can have their active play when they wake up!

Enjoy your new-found freedom

While it might be a challenging time at first, once you’ve made the move to one nap you won’t look back. You’ll have more freedom to work, exercise, meet friends, run errands or do whatever you like knowing that your child has a fixed nap time every day. And if they’re in a daycare centre in which afternoon naps are part of the program, well, scheduling naps might not even be part of your agenda!

Instead you can spend your little one’s waking hours doing the fun stuff – playing and bonding and enjoying some quality time together.

Hopefully this piece has shed a little light on moving from two naps down to one. If you need any more sleep tips for your toddler, or even for yourself, head on over to The Sleep Advisor now. Start paying more attention to the importance of a good night’s kip, learn how to improve your sleep every night and embrace a more rested, healthier lifestyle for you and your family.

JCC Rockland Fitness Center- Your One Stop Fitness Shop

Posted on February 19, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Events, Fitness, Reviews, Services .

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

We adore JCC Rockland and what they offer to the community. Their Early Childhood Center is top notch, Camp offerings that are diverse and engaging, Fitness 450 and their fitness center. I know that even with all I have mentioned, I have only scratched the surface. I was recently invited to come back and tour the new and improved fitness manager with Lauren. If you are interested they are having a Love Yourself Love Your Health open house with free classes for BOTH kids and adults on Monday 2/19/18 (JCCROCKLAND.ORG/LOVERSVP).

The center looks very different immediately with a fresh coat of paint and new flooring, but the changes that have been made are more than just superficial. When you first walk in on the left hand side, there is a whole new circuit of high tech machines from TechnoGym that have just been added.

These machines are beyond cool. They are resistance based, so they glide along with your abilities, and each machine has one specific exercise. This enables users to complete a circuit, and helps with eliminating lines at certain machines. It gets better. The machines have small screens on them that serve several purposes.

They have instructions as to how to set up and use each of the pieces of equipment safely, and correctly. Once in use, there is a fun little graphic that looks kind of like a video game to keep you working at optimum levels. What I really love is that it also has the capability to sync with your JCC Rockland App and track your progress, movements, and record your workouts. This App also works alongside the trainers at the Fitness Center to create your workouts in the Smart Start Program, or the Fitness Challenges (coming 3/25). Additionally you can check out what classes are coming up and set reminders to attend (which is really cool cause they offer SO many classes).

The fitness center is immaculate and includes specific rooms where you can stretch, lift free weights, train for various competitions, and take their WIDE array of classes (click here). What really attracts me to it, is how impeccable the space is. Taken care of so well offering equipment to meet the needs of all ages and stages. No matter what your fitness level there is so much available to challenge you within safe parameters. Having had 3 major knee surgeries myself, I was particularly interested in the cardio equipment that would allow me to work on endurance without putting excess pressure on my knees. Like this this Bike that they have even allows you to switch your terrain and follow a trail. All the while tracking your progress and your stats.

For busy parents looking to add a workout into their busy days but having difficulty finding the time, they even have babysitting for the kids so that you can get your “Me Time” in.

If you are interested in checking out the Fitness Center this week there is a perfect opportunity.

JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF HEART-PUMPING EXERCISE AND A

HEALTHY-HEART FAIR

Includes a vendor marketplace, valuable heart health information, children’s activities, presentations, and much more.

Enjoy unique heart-healthy options at the Crunch Time Cafe. Wear red and get 5% off your café bill.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19

9AM-1PM

JCCROCKLAND.ORG/LOVERSVP

Questions or to RSVP call Mark at 845-362-4400 ext. 532 or

email markr@jccrockland.org

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!!!

Hello Fitness 450

Posted on September 27, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Events, Health and Wellness, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Services, Uncategorized .

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

I had the great pleasure of checking out the FREE Fitness 450 Debut Workout at JCC Rockland on September 10, 2017. I generally take the weekends off of my workout routine, so it was very nice to jump on in and workout. I shy away from a lot of programs due to my extensive knee issues. SO I was a little nervous attending.

Well, that was laid to rest within 5 minutes of listening to trainers Josh and Carolyn speak. It was IMMEDIATELY clear that I was not just another body to them (and there were 100 in the room) I was an individual, the whole time. We warmed up (dynamically) and then participated in circuit training.

For those who don’t know what that is, its a series of stations and at each station you complete a different activity. The stations are timed and you rotate through each during the workout. Josh and Carolyn took the time to explain and demonstrate each of the 10 stations, including the available adaptations for those who may have difficulty with the motions. We did each station for 1 minute, and I was SWEATING!!! In fact, I work out, and pretty hard 5 days a week, some of the exercises really had me burning. That’s actually the point. Keeping your heart rate up throughout the workout, and burning, helps you to not only burn fat and calories during the workout, but continually for 3 days afterwards!!!!

During the workout Josh and Carolyn circulated through the crowd stopping to help everyone, and cheer us on as we tried. At the end of the workout Josh cooled us down, and helped us to better understand how to know when we have recovered.

We were then invited in for breakfast and a tour of the new home of Fitness 450. Despite it being located at JCC Rockland, you don’t have to be a member to join and attend classes (although the membership is awesome and has so many perks). Similarly the studio is located kind of outside in the back of the facility. When you walk into the stairwell you know immediately you are venturing into a separate facility.

The studio is BEAUTIFUL state of the art. I loved how clean and uncramped it was. Its not huge either, so the groups/sessions have to be kept small, which I love. Lots of individual attention, here you are NOT just another number. I was super excited to see that they had a filtered water fountain in the studio, to encourage people to bring reusable bottles, and not disposable <3

Of particular interest to me was also the treadmill. Again, I’ve had 3 knee surgeries, and am awaiting two replacements at a later date, I have to be SO careful how I work out. I had to ask about it. Let me tell you, this self-propelled curved machine did NOT hurt me. It encourages you to run more naturally, on the balls of your foot, not slamming on your heels. I was amazed…. It felt good, it was encouraging.

I had an amazing chat with Carolyn and Josh afterwards about further plans for the facility including opening up training to other age groups that are all in the works (can’t wait to tell you about it).

Classes begin in November and from what I saw (over 100 people at the two sessions on 9/10) and what I’ve heard (soooo many people loved it) its booking up fast. We did get a ridiculous deal for our readers to get started 8 sessions for the price of 4 for the first month. Just make sure you mention you heard about it here to cash in. Ashley and I just MIGHT see you there…

You can also check out their website http://fitness-450.com/ to learn more about this high energy, high intensity and fun workout.

Meet Marco Farsetta Photography

Posted on September 20, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Party, Photography, Reviews, Services, Uncategorized .

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

I love helping people get started. I love watching people do what they love. So when one of my very own students got in touch with me and said he wanted to start REALLY pursuing photography I was SO excited for him. He’s been dabbling since last year (to my knowledge), and I watched as this summer he landed a few jobs and completed them to rave reviews. Marco knows that I help photographers get the word about their most recent offerings out, as well as show some examples of work, and asked if he could take some photos of the kids to promote his talent. I obliged.

He wanted to do something fun so he chose to go down to Nyack Beach. Here’s how it went.

The kids loved him. They were themselves around him. He got some shots I can’t even believe. They were so real, they really showcased how my kids are together, he rarely even posed them. He took SOOOO many photos.

Once the session was over, I had no idea what his turn around time looked like, or how he edited. Well, I got some hysterical photos- who knew he caught my (E) punching (A) in the nose, or laughing at him hysterically? Caught them walking hand in hand, and in a warm embrace. He even caught a photo of (A) after he landed flat in the water.

I didn’t know what to expect when he came to show me the edited pics but I was also pleasantly surprised to see that he had looked up some super cool quotes, and added them to a few of the photos. He also picked a few and changed their coloring (B&W etc) which I didn’t expect him to do. Photos were delivered on a USB drive that is easy to keep track of, and he even came offering packages for ordering prints and/or canvases. I didn’t expect him to be so well prepared and professional.

His work speaks for itself- I was very pleased, his turn around time was also less than a week. His pricing is reasonable, and his attitude great. Marco was a pleasure to work with.

Here’s the skinny. He will be booking LIMITED amounts of sessions (as he is still in school). Attached is his upcoming session info. Book early of you will miss out. He’s interested in diversifying his portfolio, so fee free to bring extended family, book him for parties, bring pets etc- but he is NOT attempting infants at this time.

I cannot wait to see how his work develops as he continues to learn his craft. I will certainly be back to have him shoot the kids again, maybe even the family.

http://marcofarsettaphotography.weebly.com/

845-521-0196

mfarsettaphotos@gmail.com

Having a family photo shoot? Don’t stress makeup and hair (men, boys, or women and girls)- contact Deborah at Sparkle up for your appointment.

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