RNYM’s Picks – Page 2 – Rockland NY Mom

Pandemic Children’s Services

Posted on May 5, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in RNYM's Picks .

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

This past year has certainly been a DOOZIE. We have all been through the ringer, kids included. Some kids have really had great difficulty in their online or hybrid settings (face it, it’s not for everyone), others have anxiety due to the virus, some kids had little blips or learning issues that have been magnified and we now realize that they need some help to make it through. As a High School Teacher and Mom of 2, I have literally seen it all this year. My students, or my own children have literally run this whole course of issues.

Below are some services available that we wanted to make you aware of that are available to help, because we know 1. These issues exist and 2. They are difficult to find.

For Mental Health:

Is your child anxious, do they need someone to speak to? This doesn’t have to be long term (it could be though), it can be a short term, we are in a pandemic thing. Don’t ignore mental health, these kids have a lot on their plates. I have seen more and more parents asking around lately for such services, here is our rec.

914-246-2399

erica@courageouskidscounseling.com

www.courageouskidscounseling.com

Help your child make changes to last a lifetime!

If your child is struggling with stress, anxiety or depression Courageous Kids Counseling can help! We offer therapy for children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling services. By giving your child a voice, you help them triumph over difficulties and become the best versions of themselves. Through therapy, they’ll find the courage to explore problems and reach new heights. Our virtual appointments make it easy to get the support and help you need. Together, we can make life-lasting changes happen. You don’t have to do it alone! Visit our website for more information or call (914) 246 –2399 today for your FREE consultation.

For Learning/Attention Issues:

Did you always think your child may have had issues sitting still and focusing? Do you think that they are having difficulty learning because there may be a slight “blip” that needs to be addressed with some sort of services? I have had several students classified this year, and I get it, the coping mechanisms they used to use, weren’t working in the new atmosphere.

www.jodiecohenphd.com

Facebook Page

(845) 263-3210

Dr. Jodie Cohen is a pediatric neuropsychologist specializing in evaluations for children, teens, and young adults. Dr. Cohen has ten years of experience in evaluating children with complex developmental situations.

Specialties Include:

Autism
Dyslexia and other learning disabilities
ADHD
Giftedness

Dr. Cohen bridges the child’s educational, medical, and home life to help them reach their potential. Her training experience includes pre-doctoral training at NYU Child Study Center and NY Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital followed by a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology and ASK at Northwest Neurobehavioral Health in Idaho.

For Learning Gaps:

Kids in younger grades practice their writing daily (usually) the past year they have been using computers, many could use help developing their handwriting skills. We’ve got a recommendation for that.

Summer Program

(6 weeks)

Who: Children in grades K-4

What: Individualized handwriting help will be provided using multisensory strategies while enabling kids to become motivated about using proper handwriting skills. Parent meetings and homework will be provided for carryover of skills

When: availability Mon-Thurs mornings/afternoons and evenings by appointment

(frequency is 1-2 times per week with your choice of 30 or 45 minute sessions)

Where: Located in Rockland County, NY or in your own home

Cost: Please contact for pricing

Cash, check or Venmo accepted

Initial fee of $75 for assessment, parent meeting and materials

This program is facilitated by an Occupational Therapist. All COVID precautions will be strictly adhered to.

For more information contact Danielle Tsekouras

845-300-2235 or email DStocks@optonline.net

Tutors are available to help fill in gaps, or to help through a not favorite subject. Here are some that we deal with and recommend.

www.azuleducational.com

Dr. Eyleen Ortiz

347-618-2200
eyleen@azuleducational.com

Azul Educational Consulting provides tutoring (Pre-K-College), Test Prep (SAT/ACT/ISEE/SSAT), parent education, private/boarding and college placement services to students and parents in the US and Internationally.

Follow us on social media: @azeducationalconsulting (FB), @az_educational (twitter), az_educationalconsulting (Instagram)

_____________________________________________________________________

Website: www.huntingtonhelps.com/center/nanuet

https://www.facebook.com/HuntingtonHelps

https://www.instagram.com/huntingtonhelps

https://twitter.com/tutorhuntington

At Huntington, we are the leading tutoring and test prep provider. We create individualized, results driven programs to help your child succeed. We are committed to the success of each student through our personalized instruction with certified tutors. Each program is uniquely designed to develop the skills, confidence and motivation for the student. Our centers are accredited, technologically sound and recognized members of the community.

Services include:

Tutoring K-12
- Reading, Math, Study Skills, Writing, Phonics, Vocabulary
- Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Trigonometry, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Test Prep
- ACT, SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, Advanced Placement, State Tests, SSAT, ISEE, COOP
- Online Tutoring options available!

Contact Info:

Huntington Learning Center – Nanuet
58 East Route 59 (next to Liberty Travel)
Nanuet, NY 10954

Phone: (845) 624-6800

Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday – 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

_____________________________________________________________________

Phil Lockwood- Owner
845-323-5100
info@teacherstotherescue.com
www.teacherstotherescue.com
www.facebook.com/TeachersToTheRescue

Teachers to the Rescue was created by two educators whose passion for teaching extends well beyond the typical school day. Phil Lockwood is a school administrator with a background in Elementary Education and Literacy, while his wife Erica is a high school Biology teacher. They have joined forces with many of their colleagues and other highly qualified educators to help your child improve in an array of academic areas. Their mission: Rescue those students who need a little extra help. All tutoring sessions are done in the comfort of your own home or at another convenient location. All tutors are certified educators and work only in their certificated area of specialty. All lessons and materials are personalized and designed to address the specific needs of each individual student. Last but not least, all of the tutors incorporate technology into their lessons to ensure that learning is engaging.

_____________________________________________________________________

https://www.worldtreetutor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/worldtree.tutoring

https://twitter.com/tutoring_tree

https://www.instagram.com/worldtreetutoring/

email: worldtreetutor@gmail.com

phone: (845) 558-2686

We are experienced tutors who help prioritize your child’s academic success. We offer

tutoring services for standardized tests (SAT, ACT, and GRE) and several subject areas

especially English reading comprehension, essay writing, math, Spanish, and ESL. You can

make an appointment for private tutoring or join a small tutoring group. Zoom sessions are

available as well as in-person sessions with PPE. We operate out of Rockland County, NY.

Top Ten Mother’s Day Picks 2021!

Posted on May 4, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Last year you all loved our list… so here’s our picks for 2021!

Being a Mother is it’s own reward, but if you are looking for a special way to celebrate her this month, here are some of our suggestions.

1. Give a Memory…

MOMS LOVE PHOTOS!! They can be with her- or without (we recommend with as they become such a treasure). Contact any of the photographers in our directory, and see what they have got to offer. Jennifer Tesker’s Spring Minis are posted below, there’s flowers, a swing, and a chance to capture some truly special images at Stokes Farm. While you are there, grab a sweet treat and some flowers for the garden (a favorite gift of mine, is to go pick out all my flowers).

Already have memories and looking to display them? Did you know that Jennifer Tesker offers a service where you send her your wall and she designs the perfect layout??? JenniferTeskerPhotography@gmail.com

2. Order in…

http://www.luigiogradys.com/

(845) 735-9110

I enjoy going out to eat as much as the next gal…. but sometimes I can’t get it together, and I would just be more relaxed if I could stay at home and eat some great food. Well Luigi O’Grady’s makes that a little easier with their awesome Mother’s Day menu. Their food always delicious and affordable, there are some great choices on their Mother’s Day Menu.

3. Take her out…

Maybe you don’t want Mom to have to clean up after supper and you want to treat her to a night out on the town…. After the year that we had, she may be a little shy doing so. Lots of local places are offering dinner, or brunch etc, but I generally want to do something a little different from the norm.

One place I found that I thought was SO cool was this Peony Farm. It’s only 55 minutes away, and OUTDOORS, which I adore. Although I love it for the flower picking, day activity, and photo opportunity with the kids (no surprise to our readers), they also do this super cool DINNER in the field (BYOB) that I think is just amazing, and will have to try sooner rather than later. Dinner not for you? They have Friday Night Picnic opportunities as well.

4. Let Someone Pamper her…..

Moms can use some pampering once in a while- despite enjoying it, the mom guilt is real, and I always feel badly doing something for myself, even though my husband constantly tells me to go ahead. Here are some places that might fit the bill, what you are interested in.

The Wholeness Center
Joseph Taylor Salon (offers a ton of services- but Barbara is the BEST with hair)
European wax center- yes I would love this, no its not an insult.
Ms. Diva Nail Salon (on route 304)

5. Give her a home made keepsake…

Everyone knows I am partial to handprints- stop on by Jills Ceramics and made a one of a kind memento for the special women in your life.

6. Give her the gift of time…

Every mom would love if someone had a cleaning service (woman/man-whatever) come in and give my house a good once over. With how crazy busy life is I feel like I am always playing catch up and can’t get the whole house clean. If I could walk in one day and just have it sparkle, it would just be amazing. :o)

We use and recommend Dutchmen Cleaning- Michele and her team are amazing!!!

7. A sweet treat...

Chocolatier Matisse is the BEST, Danielle offers anything you can dream of; like her chocolate high heels filled with goodies, her smash flowers/hearts, or a gift box with chocolate covered strawberries and a little wine <3

8. Check off that “Honey Do List”

Visit Wallauer Paint & Design Center for all your home improvement needs. You can even schedule a custom window treatment, or interior design session for the special woman in your life. Can’t decide on a color? No problem! Right now there is a coupon for a buy one get one on Benjamin Moore Paint samples. Additionally, they have a coupon for spending $40 or more, and monthly contests to celebrate their 100th Anniversary!

9. Workout/Lounge Gear

I workout, frequently. It’s something I love to do, some women love to lounge in leggings. Either way, I’ve always been a whatever’s in the drawer type, but this past year I started purchasing “sets” of workout clothes. I fell in love with Ellie. The clothes are adorable, and comfortable, and affordable. Somehow it makes me feel even more inspired to go ahead and work out. I find the sizing to be spot on. (excuse my messy bedroom, here’s a photo of one of my outfits).

Link to buy of check it out: http://rwrd.io/6bauhkg

(this link is an affiliate link, meaning if you purchase through it I get a small reward)

10. A timeless piece of jewelry…

You know how we love to shop local. We also LOVE excellent Customer Service. You get both at Bourghol Brothers Jewelry in Congers. I have designed my own pieces, gone and browsed theirs, you name it. They are always sweet, they notice your style and what you like (yes my husband has gone on his own and they REMEMBERED exactly what I was looking at, unplanned) and have great suggestions. I just recently reached out via email for a communion gift (info to come) for my daughter and Andrew was back to me within 24 hours ready to go.

New Twist on an old Holiday Game

Posted on November 22, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2020, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponosred post. Not sure if this game exists, but we used the idea of an old game and made it ours for the holidays. This article does contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase our recommendations we make a small amount of money.

This year even though we are a STRICT no Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving family, I decided to start sharing ideas with you now. Why? Because we could ALL use a little sunshine and fun this year, and I am planning to share things that you can do even contactless, which is one thing we are all adapting too. We are sad and missing our “Normal” too…

If your family is ANYTHING like ours, you have everything. No one needs anything. A few years back we were trying to decide what to do for the holidays, because of course, despite not needing things, its always fun to open a gift. My brother and sister in law (Shannon) host my side of the family’s gift exchange and they love to make it fun. The idea of a “white elephant” exchange was thrown around, but we didn’t love the name. That’s when (A) said, what about a “white deer”?

Loved this idea, its more festive for us. Then we thought about the idea of the exchange, although super entertaining, no one in our family needs more “stuff” either. We wanted it to be kind of meaningful, not just funny. Those “funny” gifts are amusing, then what do you do with them? We didn’t want to “waste” money on things that would be tossed out or aside after a few days.

Then (A) threw out the idea that it would be themed every year. He would decide the theme and let my sister in law know. One of the gifts would be a statue of a white deer. We got ours from Homegoods, but I love this one too CLICK FOR LINK .The person who won it would display it like a trophy each year, sign it (in permanent marker) and wrap it back up for the next year.

We set a price limit ($25) and each person goes out and buys something “On theme” to wrap and bring to the party.

The evening of the celebration, we follow typical rules that Shannon made, you get a number, then when its your turn, roll the dice and follow the rules on the sheet.

Even my kids play. It makes for some super fun stuff, and its actually the way we got our AWESOME tabletop smores maker that we use and adore. The more “outside of the box” and useful the better. Once everyone has chosen, we all open simultaneously.

Shannon the “Hostess with the Mostest”

Themes we have done:

Red and Green
Something Warm
Favorite Holiday Movie (this year’s theme)

This year will obviously be different. We are following the COVID guidelines very carefully as we have loved ones to protect. We are still brainstorming how it will work, BUT I think we are going to have a randomization site pick our numbers over ZOOM. Then display the gifts we purchased (or we may do a door drop for randomization before hand) for people pick over the computer. People at each place then still get to open something and react. After the game, we will drop it at each others homes (contactless of course).

Special thanks to Shannon for allowing me to share her game, and for the pics <3

Socially Safe Santa

Posted on October 27, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2020, Photo Obsessed, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

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

You probably already saw, but our directory member photographers all just put out their Holiday Mini Sessions (See our directory for info). What’s really new is that in addition to our usual photos, people mostly still flock to the mall or our annual Breakfast with Santa (still so sad its not happening- holding onto hope for Easter).

MACY’S has announced that for the first time in 160 years they will not have a Santa available for photos. I am hearing that mall version may be very different (and really how socially safe can standing in line be there?)

Well, Jennifer Tesker Photography has a solution for you. She is doing a ONE WEEKEND ONLY “Socially Safe Santa” mini session. I know that for me, this is a breath of fresh air as I cannot take my kids to the mall, and I am going to get a professional, edited photo (which as you know I LOVE). BOOK NOW!

Here’s the deets:

At Stokes Farm Greenhouse (climate controlled for warmth, large enough to be socially distant and safe)
10 minute session (which is more than we get at the mall, LOL)
Includes 3 digital images (you can purchase more)
Includes up to 3 kids (more can be added for a fee)
NO contact with Santa
Separate entrance and exit
Disinfecting in between clients
Facemasks required before and after photos
Wait in car or outside in a warming area
Hand Sanitizer on Premises

Sessions are super limited, so be sure to book ASAP. I know I already have <3 Here’s the link: https://www.jenniferteskerphotography.com/make-memories-with-santa

Valentines Help for Spouses

Posted on January 31, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This post is sponsored as some (not all) of the places listed are directory members, which says a lot because if we include them we approve and love them. All opinions expressed are my own.

Who is stumped as to what to get the woman in their life who has everything but time??? Well, I spent some time brainstorming an came up with a list of great gifts that I would love, so your momma may too!! The truth is MOST of these apply to the men in your lives too, sooooooo take a peek.

NOT NEGOTIABLE! Chocolate Covered Strawberries from Chocolatier-Matisse Orangeburg

You have to call in advance to order them, and I love them so much I did the ordering.

2. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS-

Guys there’s a reason we have a whole DIRECTORY dedicated to this. Moms. Love. Photos. And often times, we don’t even get to be in them. Whether she’d like an updated family pic, some of the kids or her and the kids, Moms appreciate the effort, especially since we know our men GENERALLY don’t love it.

It doesn’t even have to be a “Valentines Session”- Current sessions are posted below, but any photographer can do ANY session you’d like at any time, so check out their work (we have samples of each on the directory itself) and choose one you connect with.

3. Treat her to her “usual” place.

This is a biggie for me. RNYD always tells me to go, get my nails done, do my hair, go get waxed, grab a massage, or facial etc etc etc- BUT I don’t always have time, and I often don’t want to spend the money on me. A gift certificate to one of these places means I HAVE to go, I enjoy it and its already paid for. Special bonus points if you pay the tip too so I have to worry about NOTHING.

Here is where I go if you need suggestions:

Waxing – European Wax Center New City – I use Stephanie, she’s great. If your lady (or you) are looking for a new place the first waxing of one area is free for new customers, and give them my name (Megan Johnston- they like to know who sent them).
Hair– Joseph Taylor Salon New City– I ADORE Barbara who both colors and cuts my hair. She’s a real sweetheart and does an amazing job. I am lucky if I get there 2x a year though with my schedule.
Nails– Diva Nail Salon New City– (E) and I both love it here. It’s clean, and they do a great job. I do love how they pay special attention to my little girl who always wants a fun design.
Massage/Facial- I LOVE Carrie at the Wholeness Center for my Facials and Catherine for massage. They run a GROUPON every now and again that’s great.

4. Bring Dinner IN

Most guys think that a woman wants to go out for a special date, and while that is sometimes the case, bringing a well made dinner IN where I don’t have to cook and I can be comfortable on my couch, in front of the fire watching Star Wars can be just as dreamy. I KNOW my hunny would rather stay in than go out… so win win. No Secret Here, my go to is Luigi O’Gradys for that. Michelle and her staff have family meal deals with lots of CHOICES that are awesome every week day.

Family Dinners – $39.99 Each

5. PLAN THAT TRIP

She WANTS to go away, whether its with you, a friend or the whole family. Listen to her, what is she saying??? The older I get (yep 40 now) the more I value EXPERIENCES, TIME and SMILES.

Call Scott Walters (official travel agent for the RNYM Family) and get started with that trip today. Fortunate enough to take 2 trips last year we are looking at a few this year where we will use his expertise. Take that cruise she always talks about, head up to Rocking Horse Ranch with the family, maybe even o to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Scott can do it all. Scott@goawayoftentravel.com (845) 558-1225

(photo from my #fabulous40thadventure last summer in Greece and Rome)

6. GIVE HER A DAY OFF

Call Michelle Squiteri of Dutchmen Cleaning and have your house cleaned as a surprise. She will have more time to relax and spend with you. I LOVE every other Friday when I get home and I don’t have to worry about cleaning after a long week of work, I can just be present with the family. Its the perfect gift for working or stay at home moms.

7. Go to Dinner AND a show

Westchester Broadway Theater has some FABULOUS shows in 2020 and you’ve heard me speak of them before. For less than the cost of just a Ticket to a Broadway show, you can get dinner and a show, in a comfortable chair, closer to home. The food has been reinvented as of late (made to coordinate with the show themes) and is so good. The cast is always wonderful and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

8. Make something 1 of a Kind

Parents (as you know) really appreciate this kind of stuff. Jills Ceramics has TONS of great things you can make to spoil that special lady (or man) in your life. Bring the kids to do it, or make a date with your honey to bring some wine and cheese and go together.

9. Something that Blings

This wasn’t my first choice because I need to really LOVE jewelry in order to want it, although RNYD is always happy to oblige. A piece of jewelry with the birth stones of my babies, is ALWAYS welcome. For this, we always hit up Rockland Staple Bourghol Brothers. The stuff is STUNNING, the family lovely and the price always fair. They have made items for our clan since before I was born, as well as my wedding and anniversary bands and so much more.

10. Food Town

Making your life a little easier this year, offering discounts on Valentines Day Gifts!!! Check it out!!

Take the Trip…

Posted on January 22, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Health and Wellness, Money Momma, Opportunities, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Self Care, Services, Things to Do!, Thoughts.., Travel .

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

A little while ago, I posted about how I am done giving gifts of “things” and am moving toward gifts of time and experience. I am about to turn 40. I don’t only believe in time and experience for others, I do for myself too. I’ve always dreamed of traveling, especially to Europe, but everywhere. For one reason or another it just hasn’t happened. Well with 40 knocking on my door I decided to do something about it.

EDIT TO ADD: I wrote and was supposed to post this article early fall, but I am kind of glad that I didn’t. Due to normal “Life” situations, I am more glad than ever that we got a chance to do Disney this year as well as to have taken this trip myself. I do not know when the next time I will be able to take the family on a trip or go myself might be able to happen. Those who know me know that I am not exaggerating, my new advice…..When you have the chance, Do it. I intend to try to figure out how to continue to travel, and bring the family along, but its going to take a whole lot more work now.

Due to unforeseen circumstances RNYD was not available to travel (which is cool anyway cause he’s much more of a home body), so I begged my bestie Michelle to come with me. I gave her a list of places on my bucket list and let her choose. I also wanted to hit up a cruise if possible because I have never done one. She was game, and she choose Greece. Perfect for a cruise, and really one of my top two trips.

We picked a cruise and booked it, since it left and returned to Rome and neither of us knew when we would be back, we decided to take 2 days to explore there as well.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

I will never book a trip with a travel agent other than Scott Walters (sorry dudes say what you will, he’s bailed me out 2x now).
Cruises are great because you don’t have to pack up your stuff every day to move, you have a home base.
You can make friends on cruises, which is neat for when you are done sightseeing for the day you can meet for dinner/drinks/dancing later.
Get the drink package (just saying)
Try all the different foods
Clarks are the best sandals ever (and yes you can find some that don’t look like your grandmothers shoes).
Greece is REALLY HOT in the summer so May or September may be better.
I AM OBSESSED WITH TRAVEL.

At each of the islands we went to Scott sent us 2-3 excursions that he thought we would like based on our “profiles” and we chose 1-2 for each. The tours that we took were so complete that I actually don’t think we missed anything, BUT we didn’t have tons of time so it was more like a taste test, I may have a list of places that I’d like to get back to if I ever check off my list the other trips I want to take.

Travel Agent Extraordinaire Scott Walters helped me out immensely on this trip, and I am so grateful. I have just reached out to him again, about a possible trip for 2021, that I would like to start saving for. I am so excited, and hopeful that we can make it happen despite our challenges. He’s been super helpful in understanding and helping us with the physical needs of our family, and I am hoping that his expert advise will help us to be able to make the trip happen for our whole family.

cott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

A full service travel agent specializing in family vacations to amazing destinations. From simple weekend getaways to multi generational once in a lifetime bucket list filling journeys, Go Away Often Travel can get you there. It’s YOUR VACATION, let me do the work! Worth noting here that I always thought I couldn’t afford a travel agent. Turns out that you don’ t pay one, they are paid by the people they book your trip with. The few times I have reached out to him to see if he should be consulted about a trip and he couldn’t help me with a deal, he encouraged me to book on my own to save the money.

What do you know about Pillows?

Posted on November 8, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Items, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Self Care, Shopping, Specialty Items .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

We have the honor or welcoming SPRY Therapeutics to our “For the Home” Directory page, where we have services and products for the home that we love and endorse. Spry has two special types of pillows that have us reeling; one “Recovery” which is absolutely perfect for RNYD who has had 8 back surgeries (his most recent cervical), and anther “Pure” which is perfect for my asthmatic and allergy afflicted (E).

Deep down I think we all know how dirty our pillows become, but reading the information available on their website was a real eye opener.

Here is some background info for you to check out, full review to come.

https://sprytherapeutics.com/

At Spry, it is our mission to make your everyday life healthier and more comfortable. All Spry products are designed using innovative technologies that are created to give you customized comfort and better solutions to improve your health, whether you’re looking for relief from allergies and asthma, pain relief or a comfortable support pillow.

about Spry Recovery^®

Made with our patented Flo-Form^® technology, this pillow uniquely contours to your specific shape and curves to help support proper body alignment.

The size of the pillow makes it easy to carry and store, and its versatility makes it the perfect companion for any situation. It comes with a soft, breathable cover that can be easily removed and washed. Add a hot or cold pack to the Spry Recovery to help soothe muscles and dull the sensation of pain.

about Spry Pure^®

Waterproof and breathable, Spry Pure’s PneumaPure^® filtration offers full protection from viruses and bacteria, allowing only clean air to pass through. Spry Pure is the perfect solution for asthma and allergy sufferers. Plus, the pillow never requires laundering — simply wipe down the water-resistant exterior with a mild solution to sanitize the exterior.

Spry Pure is currently available in memory foam and polyfill. For children specifically, our polyfill pillows are a great option.

Why choose SOHN Real Estate?

Posted on June 18, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Services, Uncategorized .

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

Selling your home is personal. No matter what the reason you are leaving your special place (upgrade, downgrade, relocation, etc) you are allowing someone to speak for and sell your home. THIS IS A BIG DECISION. And let’s face it, there are so many choices that you can go with. Many of the names you have seen for years, and seen EVERYWHERE! Does that make them better?

https://sohnrealestate.com/

Let me introduce you to the owner/broker of SOHN Real Estate- Sheri.

She has 28 years of experience as a full time broker who is licensed in both New York and Florida.

She has closed over 55 transactions in the last 12 months.

Sheri also has a company that does pre-home inspections that can bring to you attention any issues that may arise during the process so that you are aware, and can either fix them or price your house accordingly.

Right now prices are going way up. It’s truly a seller’s market, especially when you use a broker like Sheri who can price your house appropriately to entice buyers to come and see it, and make an offer. There have recently been bidding wars.

Here are some of the additional benefits of booking with a boutique agency like SOHN.

Flexibility in making a deal work
One on one personal support
Family atmosphere
Flexibility in method of Advertising (video, social media, print, fliers, and more)

A glance at her testimonial page tells you just how personalized and dedicated Sheri is to her clients. https://sohnrealestate.com/testimonials/

“Sheri gets deals done and goes beyond the call of duty of a normal agent. She helped us make sure the property was ready for sale and as an absentee landlord she really made the difference. She is quite pleasant to work with and is deeply knowledgeable about the marketplace. Big Thumbs up!!” -Dean M. Fort Lauderdale

If you contact Sheri to list your home and mention RocklandNYMom you will receive a FREE pre-home inspection by a licensed home inspector.

To contact Sheri to list your home, receive a free valuation, or have her find your perfect home, you can message her through her facebook page, email: getitsoldwthsohn@aol.com or Phone: 845-639-HOME (4663).

Why I’m Moving Away From Giving “Things”

Posted on June 17, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, RNYM's Picks, Thoughts.. .

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

Like so many other parents I am OVERWHELMED. I have to much STUFF in my house. Not stuff that I purchased. Most of it is gifts, purchased lovingly for my children, my spouse or myself by family members who mean well. But kids are SO fickle and the trends change so quickly its breaking my heart to continually go through and donate or toss all of these wonderful things. Don’t get me wrong, they are wonderful and we are so appreciative.

We’ve cut back ourselves with the Christmas 5 Gift Challenge, but am now expanding it to Birthdays and Anniversaries, and even to the gifting of people outside of the family and here’s why:

My kids are AWESOME, and yours are too. I mean I am REALLY REALLY enjoying them. It took our unbelievable trip to Disney this past winter to solidify that for me. Now I am working with Scott Walters to plan a short trip over the summer with them, and cannot wait to plan our next big one. Know why? ‘Cause they are getting older every day, and this stage won’t last and I want to enjoy every second, and enrich their lives. I want to travel with them, I want to learn with them, I want to smile with them and here’s how I plan to.

Typical toy gifts are going to turn into gifts of experience. Get to know people’s kids and learn what they love. Big into sports? There are affordable options for that. Same for Art, Dinosaurs, Music, Theater, all of it. For Christmas this year we got the kids tickets to see Kiss at MSG. WHY? Because (E) fell in love with Scooby Doo Kiss, and (A) has loved the songs Black Diamond and Beth for years. Its also their “farewell” tour, no time like the present. For our 15th wedding anniversary this year instead of gifting items to one another RNYD and I are taking the kids to a water park, cause as a couple, they are our greatest accomplishments.

Need Ideas? Happy to provide them, send us a message (and no they aren’t all sponsored, just trying to be helpful). What’s an amazing side effect of this new trend? For so many of the ones that you can do as gifts for birthdays of friends also puts money back into the small businesses in your community. You can purchase an experience for a friend for the same $20-25 you spend on a Barbie or Lego set and the child gets to “DO” something.

I am aware that this means that it might be more demanding on the parents of recipients, demanding of their time and energy, so of course take that into consideration when you go this way. If you are choosing something on a specific date, be sure to check with them first, but gift certificates somewhere that they will enjoy are generally great because you can do it when you get a chance.

You can also check to see if the child is saving up for something special. For Christmas many of our family members sent the kids Disney Gift Cards so that they could purchase some special items while we were there. I had one friend who’s daughter desperately wanted to purchase an American Girl Doll that was “Truly Me”. They are expensive, so she was saving. I was MORE than happy to purchase a gift card to the store for her to reach her goal. When she received the doll, she sent us an amazing video thanking us for helping her reach that goal. LOVED that idea.

BUT TELLING PEOPLE WHAT YOU WANT IS RUDE– Yeah I know, so if its important to you, ask people, what are they into? Ask if it would be ok. Get to know them. Maybe even plan the day so that your child and theirs can go together and enjoy the experience. If you are asked, be honest, help them out, and help yourself out (less clutter, less cleaning).

Ok Ok so I am talking a lot, but what are my ideas?

Locally there are so many fun places you can get experiences-

Birthday Party Level:

Sparkle Up, Matisse Chocolatier, Create Space, Jills Ceramics, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Legoland NY (coming soon), The Castle, Nickel O Farms, Sky Zone, High Exposure, Palisades Climb, Rye Playland, Land of Make Believe, Turtle Back Zoo, Girl Again Westchester, Renaissance Faire, Movie Tickets, Book signing opportunities (so many in northern jersey), Maybe Equipment they need for an activity.

Bigger Ticket:

Bronx Zoo (new dino exhibit too), Westchester Broadway Theatre, Liberty Science Center, Museum of Natural History, Trolls Experience, Tickets to a live show (paw patrol, Jurassic World, Disney on Ice, Marvel Live), Tickets to go snow tubing, Midieval Times,

Largest Ticket (obviously meant for family or for you to give your children):

Broadway Show, Concert tickets, American Girl Store, Waterpark, Lessons/Activities, Camps (or parts of camps), Weekend Getaway, Diggerland, Hershey Park, Gift Certificate for a Photo Shoot (yes, my photographers said some tweens and teens are asking for them- see our directory).

This of course is yet another opportunity for writing in our books “The Adventures of the Johnston Clan” and was partially the inspiration for our #RNYMBucketList for the spring and summer. I am trying to encourage writing for journaling, for fun with the kids. So much of their writing time in school is so regimented (it has to be I know and understand that), but they need to know that it can be enjoyable too. I mean their mother is a part time Blogger.

Some of these items don’t even cost money, just your time. Put down your devices and enjoy each other, make a memory, remember how much you enjoy one another. I know I plan to.

Nickel-O Farms- Review! #RNYMBucketList

Posted on May 13, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps, Classes, Classes for Kids, Day Trips, Opportunities, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Nickel-O Farms is a directory member. All opinions expressed are my own.

Pleased to be checking items off of our #RNYMBucketList this early in the year, here is installment 1. Horseback riding. Its a great skill, one I loved as a kid at camp, and my brother even pursued. So excited that I was able to share it with my kids, that they weren’t scared (actually LOVED it), found a great place to go, and look forward to going again.

RNYM recently had the pleasure to begin working with Nickel-O Farms. They have joined our camps directory, and became one of our spring/summer bucket list options as one thing my kiddos wanted to do was to learn how to ride a horse. They always enjoy the “pony” rides at events we attend, but wanted something more.

Nickel-O has lessons, as well as scouting events, camp, and animals available for birthday parties. It is located right in West Nyack and Lisa (the owner) is more than sweet.

We headed over for a riding lesson with the kids and didn’t know what to expect. We had been told that long pants and boots or something with a hard sole would be best so that’s what we wore. Safety is most important at Nickel-O so the first thing we did was get fitted for helmets. Then we were brought over to Sara who introduced us to our horse for the day, Small Bear.

I thought that it would be a little lighter than it was but the kids were thrown right in (I’m glad) and (A) was taught how to walk Small Bear Bear right over to the stables. After a few pointers (A) was able to get right onto him. I figured (having literally no background in riding other than the lessons we had at my sleep away camp when I was 10) that they would ride around a few times and they would get the hang of it but nope. They did a ton!!!

After a few basic lessons on the reigns while going around the corral I was shocked that Sara started explaining to (A) how to steer Small Bear to do a zig zag through the cones. Without a lead line or anything! It took him a few seconds to get the hang of it and he was doing it on his own!!! I honestly would have been impressed if we stopped right there. They had already blown my expectations away, but then Sara brought (A) and Small Bear into the adjoining corral.

There they worked on walking over obstacles, including cavaleties in the ground, and also a bridge. THEN THEY GOT TO JOG! This was the highlight of the experience if you ask (A) or (E). They LOVED it!!!

When ½ hour was up (A) was instructed how to get off Small Bear ‘like a cowboy’ and came out all smiles. At this time (E) was heading in for her lesson. Being 5 I assumed it would be drastically different. NOPE! She did all the SAME things that (A) had done (but with a lead line held by Sara). She too enjoyed every moment, and Sara told us at the end that for most kids her age they would have only started with 15 minutes, but that she did so well that she got to do the whole ½ hour. When it was completed she was instructed how to walk Small Bear back to the cross ties and hook him up.

At this point Sara told them a bit about how to care for a horse, and about how riding lessons are about more than just the “riding” it’s also caring for the horse, and having a relationship with them where they trust you. You have to take care of them. The kids got to brush him a bit, and were given a lesson on the difference between the grooming tools.

At this time I pulled the kids aside to ask them a few questions about the experience (it’s really cool that they are old enough to do that now). Both reported that they would LOVE to do it again, or go for a trail ride in the future. They also reported that they LOVED jogging, and recommend that others try it.

Nickel-O was a fabulous experience for my guys. They wanted terribly to learn more about horseback riding, and to do more than be led around a pony area. This was the second item we were able to cross off of our #RNYMBucketlist. If you are interested in going for a ride, camp, lessons, a scouting event, birthday party or anything else, please contact Lisa Owens at:

Nickel-O Farms
369 Strawtown Road, West Nyack, NY 10994, USA

Phone: (845) 353-8006

Fax: (845) 348-8178

E-mail: nickelo123@aol.com

As always we appreciate your mentioning that you read it here :o)

Upcoming Events or Programs:

CAMP

Our summer Riding Program is a one of a kind experience that kids of all ages come to enjoy. We teach children how to take care of the horses and experience life at the barn

– all while having a great time.

At Nickel-O – kids get to saddle up and ride every day,
Friday mornings include a very special horse show.

Enrollment is limited, so early registration is important.

$400 per week per rider
Tuesday – Friday

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please send the registration form to

Lisa Owen/Nickel-O Farm
12 Old Mill Road, West Nyack, NY 10994.
Nickelo123@aol.com

8 Weeks Available!
Week 1 7/2-7/5
Week 2 7/9 – 7/12
Week 3 7/16 – 7/19
Week 4 7/23 – 7/26
Week 5 7/30 – 8/2
Week 6 8/6 – 8/9
Week 7 8/13 – 8/16
Week 8 8/20 – 8/23

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