RNYM’s Picks – Page 9 – Rockland NY Mom

Communion Planning 2016

Posted on February 12, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in RNYM's Picks, Specialty Items, We're Having a Party .

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

Communion time is quickly approaching. As parents we want to find ways to make the day special for our kids. Here is a list of great local places that we compiled that offer just what you are looking for on that special occasion. These places are so special they have got me daydreaming about my kids’ special days (slow down and hurry up!).

The Perfect Dress or Suit….

My Sweet Pea in New City carries stunning dresses and dapper suits for the special day. There are MANY, MANY options to choose from and it usually takes a week for orders to arrive.

To see some more styles click- Communion 2016

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Flowers…

I will never forget how special I felt when I made my Communion and got to have my own bouquet. Some churches are affiliated with a certain florist. If yours is not, Orangetown Florist is a great option. Joe can make you an array or bouquets, headpieces or boutonnieres and can take orders up to a week prior to the event.

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PHOTOS!!!

Our directory members have amazing packages for Communions. Consider when making your choice what type of photos you would like (candid, posed, lifestyle, party), your price range, and how you will use them. Having worked with all of them, if you have questions we are always available to help you.

Visit our Photographers Directory for Samples of their work and current deals. Remember to have some photos done of your kiddos doing their favorite activity. I coached soccer for a long time and I used to request that my girls kick a ball in their dresses, the results were stunning.

www.PhotosByYoursTruly.net
845-216-3602
maribeth@photosbyyourstruly.net

If you are interested in a photo booth you another great option is Photos By Yours Truly. I love that at the end of the event you get a flash drive of all the photos for you to keep too!

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The Perfect Invitations….

CaraCo Printables makes personalized printable invitations that are affordable and beautiful. I always recommend printing them at Staples on business card matte paper and having them cut the invitations out for you (if you like a nice card stock). A standard 5×7 is what I usually go with, and you can purchase those envelopes pretty much anywhere.

You can contact Cara through etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/CaraCoPrintables or email her at cara.zampella@gmail.com to discuss your needs.

InspireME, A Crafter’s Studio
Brewster, New York
845.216.1981

InspireME is a crafter’s studio committed to delivering custom, chic and unique handmade products for your special event.

* Typically booked out a minimum of 6-8 months for custom invitation work, she does have openings over the next few months

InspireMEStudio@outlook.com

www.facebook.com/inspireME.ACraftersStudio

www.etsy.com/shop/InspireMEStudio

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Delicious Food…

(845) 735-9110

http://www.luigiogradys.com/

106 N Middletown Road
Pearl River, NY 10965

Luigi O’Grady’s is always my families go to for party food. Its so good people always ask where it is from. There is always more than enough (I have an unreasonable fear of running out of food), and its reasonably priced. Even better, they always show up on time to deliver and help set it up.

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Cake…

For a cake that takes your breath away in both esthetics and taste I have a go to gal. Oh Sugar! Custom Cakes made both of the cakes for my kids birthday parties this year and they blew me away. Need some more goodies for the treat table? She also makes cookies and cake pops (really anything sugar). Check out her Facebook page www.facebook.com/ohsugar for more examples or to contact her for your custom orders! You can also contact her at ohsugarcakery@yahoo.com

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Venue…

You don’t want to have it at home or in a hall? Looking for somewhere that takes care of a lot of it for you? We have become obsessed with the atmosphere at 14 & Hudson. Paula their event designer (and owner) is amazing, included in the private room are linens, candles, custom signs, food and non-alcoholic beverages. There is a TV for slideshows or pictures, a Sonos system for custom music (or they can play appropriate music for you). Paula can even do flowers and décor for an additional charge.

Contact: Paula Clemente Woods 845-680-0014 Paula@14andhudson.com and check out their website www.14andhudson.com

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Decorations…

Some people still choose flowers as a centerpiece (a personal favorite). Joe at Orangeburg Florist can help you there :o) Make sure you give him a 3 week heads up so that he can fulfill your needs.

Adrian Scanga
(646) 372-3650
AMSBALLOONS@gmail.com

Lots of families have been going with balloons as their décor of choice. AMS Balloons is a great choice for such decorations. READ OUR FULL REVIEW for details.

InspireME, A Crafter’s Studio
Brewster, New York
845.216.1981

InspireME is a crafter’s studio committed to delivering custom, chic and unique handmade products for your special event.

* Typically booked out a minimum of 6-8 months for custom invitation work, she does have openings over the next few months

InspireMEStudio@outlook.com

www.facebook.com/inspireME.ACraftersStudio

www.etsy.com/shop/InspireMEStudio

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Favors…

CaraCo Printables makes fabulous favor covers to meet your needs. You can contact her through etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/CaraCoPrintables or email her at cara.zampella@gmail.com to discuss your needs.

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Entertainment…

Call: (914) 648-9197

http://www.partybylisa.com/id56.html

Need to keep the kiddos busy? Parties by Lisa has just what you need!!! A magician? Balloon twister? Face painting? Yeah they have that…. Fortune Tellers, Crafts, Jugglers and SO MUCH MORE!

Frozen in Ice- Giveaway!!

Posted on February 10, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Contests, Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to Frozen in Ice. All opinions expressed are my own.

We LOVE new and “cool” things to do here at RNYM. When we heard about Frozen in Ice we knew we had to go and check it out. (E) and (A) are still HUGE Frozen fans, and although the two are not connected (other than that they deal with ice) I know that they will connect the two and it will be fabulous.

Frozen in Ice presented by Skylands Ice World is the first-ever ice sculpture extravaganza held at the Skylands Stadium Event Center. This indoor/outdoor event will feature more than 100 tons of ice transformed into breathtaking displays by the amazing ice artists at Sculpted Ice Works. Frozen in Ice will thrill both adults and children, and will offer lots of great photo and selfie opportunities! Parking is free.

Attractions

Indoors

• Ride down a huge 50-foot ice slide (36″ height requirement; children under 36″ must be accompanied by an adult)
• Go inside a life-sized ice cabin
• Sit on a giant ice throne
• See amazing ice sculptures of a horse-drawn carriage, working lighthouse, gold mine maze, Herbie the Miner, baseball player, snowman, snow princess, and more
• Enjoy cocktails and wine (additional charge) in a unique ice lounge and ice bar (see below for hours)
• Carnival games (additional charge)
• Hot food (additional charge): Hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, and more (click here for menu)
• Hot beverages provided by Cupa Cabana (additional charge): Hot chocolate, coffee, cappuccino, espresso
• Appearances by Herbie the Miner, mascot of the Sussex County Miners (Saturdays and Sundays, 3 PM–7 PM)

Outdoors

• Watch ice carving demonstrations by professional ice artists (Saturdays and Sundays, 12 PM–4 PM)
• Enter ice carving competitions for prizes (February 7 and 20)
• S’mores fire pit (additional fee)
• Take wagon rides and join in snowman building on the ball field (weather permitting)

Suggested Attire

• To prevent the ice sculptures from melting, our Event Center must be kept at or near freezing temperature, so please remember to dress warmly for optimal enjoyment of the event. Ski pants are ideal—but not required—for the ice slide.

Hours

Wednesday–Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
Presidents Day: Monday, February 15: 11 AM–8 PM

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (except Presidents Day)

We will be attending this weekend to report back to you, but WE ALSO HAVE 4 TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY!!! LIKE, COMMENT, AND SHARE TO ENTER, WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FRIDAY 2/12/16!!

Chris Kissik Painting and Construction to The Rescue!

Posted on February 8, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Services, Uncategorized .

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

What do you do when your friend calls you with a Home Improvement DIY emergency? A friend who you have known for your whole life, one that you want to be happy? One who happens to be just as anal retentive as you are? You have to recommend someone that you can trust. Someone that you know will show up when called (that’s one of the biggest hurdles is it not?), who will treat their home like their very own. For me that person was Chris Kissik of Chris Kissik Painting and Construction.

Well, that is exactly what happened. One of my very best friends for years gave me a call in a panic. She had FINALLY been able to update her bathroom, things were coming along well, and then the shelf in the shower happened. It was crooked and spaced strangely and she was heartbroken.

Chris was part of the crew who worked on my bathroom a year and a half ago, and our paths have crossed multiple times. So when my friend called me with a tile emergency I knew just who to call.

I explained to Chris that we had a DIY 911 he was happy to go over and take a look, and ultimately fix the mistake.

He went over and calmed my friend down immediately. They made an appointment and she went to go and get the items that he needed. Here’s what I love… Some contractors would have walked in and then walked away. It wasn’t a large job, it was fixing a home DIY. There wasn’t a lot of money in it, and not a ton of glory in it. He didn’t give her a ridiculous quote because he didn’t “feel like” doing it, not once did he think, “this isn’t worth my time.’ He was her hero.

He fixed the shelf. Its perfect. I will tell you what, she will call him again and so will I. Chris is licensed in Rockland and isn’t afraid of a job no matter how large or how small. I have a laundry list of things he will be working on for me this summer ( I am sure he can’t wait).

I may kick myself for letting you all in on this great secret because he may end up being so busy that he can’t work for me anymore but you should know.

As an added bonus if you visit out Savings for RNYM Readers page you will see that mentioning our site also earns you a discount on his services.

Valentines Day Ideas to Pamper a Loved One

Posted on February 3, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

A great way to pamper a loved one for Valentines day it to give a gift certificate for a special treatment. Something they may not otherwise do for themselves. I know personally I love my facials, but I struggle with spending the money on me. RNYM has two great places you can check out for a great facial!

One of our two special places is Sacred Skin Wellness to purchase a gift Certificate Click Here. See a great list of treatments below.

Skin Care

Sacred Skin Custom Facial

Seaweed Facial

Basic Hydrafacial

Energy Work

Reiki & Cranio Sacral Therapy

Energy Therapy & Reading
Massage Therapy

Touch with Color Therapy –

Reflexology & Chakra Balancing

Acupressure with Color Therapy

Another great option for pampering your special someone is Faces by Carrie.

Buy your love a 2-for-1 gift and look like a REAL SUPERSTAR!

Brand new LEGO 4D Movie coming to LEGOLAND- February 6th!

Posted on February 1, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks .

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

It’s no secret. We LOVE LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. We spend a lot of time there the experience is always AWESOME. My kids are OVER THE MOON when I say we are headed there. Well, now there’s a new reason we have to head over and we just cannot wait!!

I was surprised at how even my 2 year old was able to sit through and loved the last one! Not only did she sit, she LOVED it!

Beginning on February 6, 2015, The LEGO^® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure will be shown every day at the family friendly Ridge Hill attraction. Fans of the 2014 feature film, The LEGO Movie, will recognize the return of popular characters in this exclusive film, only shown at LEGOLAND Parks and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers around the world.

“Our visitors were so enthusiastic about the original The LEGO Movie and we are ecstatic to bring back some of their favorite characters,” said Monique Perretti, Marketing Manager of LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. “The unique 4D experience of our theater will bring a whole new level of entertainment to The LEGO Movie fans.”

The film follows a new journey for Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, Benny and MetalBeard. After they receive a mysterious invitation, they are led to a new theme park where all of the rides are based on the characters’ journey in The LEGO Movie. But not all is as it seems as the heroes are once again thrown into the middle of an evil secret plot, only this time, it will be up to the audience to use their Master Builder skills to help save them! Using elements such as wind, water, smoke and special lighting effects, the larger-than-life experience brings the film’s main characters, Emmet and Wyldstyle, back together with their friends for another awesome adventure.

Here’s an exclusive trailer for you to see!!! https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/lego-4d-movie/

OH YEAH, and they are offering our readers and exclusive 20% discount to LEGOLAND Discovery Center FOR ALL OF 2016!!!

Tickets must be purchased online at https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/tickets-and-offers/ticket-prices.aspx
There is a limit of 5 adult and 5 child tickets per transaction (max purchase = 10 tickets)
Once on the promos webpage (link above), enter the promo code which will direct you to the personalized page for RNYM, then follow the prompts to complete their purchase
The Rockland NY Mom LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester Discount code for 2016 is: MBRNYMNZ15

We will be at the exclusive premier keeping you up to date on our social media, and ready to give you a full review!!! Stay Awesome!!!

Save the Date!- Play Fair is Coming!!!

Posted on January 30, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM's Picks .

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

Here at RNYM we are always looking for new fun places for you and your kids to visit. In our searching we came across Play Fair. At this event EVERYTHING looks AWESOME, and I don’t just say that because LEGO is involved ;o).

Play Fair presented by LEGO and Nickelodeon is a celebration of play and entertainment for all ages. It’s an immersive, experience-rich event for children, parents, families, and teenage and adult collectors. With hands-on exhibits, awe-inspiring displays, dozens of toy and entertainment brands, and never-before-seen exclusives, attendees can feel, touch, and take home their favorite toys and games — and be the first to glimpse the toys of tomorrow.

Play Fair brings together all things kids (and parents) love. The weekend-long event includes LEGO, Nick, Hasbro, Mattel, Toys”R”Us, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., Bandai, Crayola, and much, much more for parents, kids, and anyone who’s a kid a heart!

Not that any of us need reminders, but this stuff rocks.. My kids, Paw Patrol and LEGO Junkies, Match box cars, crayons (and so much more), this is the stuff we all grow up on in ONE PLACE!!!

Details:

Saturday and Sunday February 13-14th 2016

Schedule – Click Here

To purchase tickets- Click Here or visit the Toy Box in Pearl River

Your Play Fair pass gets you perks at some other GREAT spots- Click Here

Location JAVITS NORTH at the JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER

How to get there Click Here

We will be heading over to give you a full review… Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook to see!!

Oh yeah and stay tuned, a giveaway coming this week!!!

Valentines Day Minis

Posted on January 30, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, RNYM's Picks .

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

Valentine’s Day is a great time for a mini-session for the kids. The setups are always fun and the kids love to play (plus they are SUPER DUPER affordable). The photos make a great gift. Last year we did a mini with Stefanie Murphy Media and look how amazing the photos came out.

Here are some awesome sessions that our directory members are running this month.

Looking for an adorable way to spotlight these new precious memories?? I am a firm believer that there is no point to taking pictures if you don’t display them. To that end, I have found a picture frame that I love for Valentine’s Day. You can customize the color to match your décor (YES!!!), it’s available in two sizes and it’s just adorable (yep I am getting one, well at least one).

I have actually been thinking that 4 of these 5×7’s might really look awesome on my photo clock (see here).

To order your own heart frame, check out Urban Orchard Frames. http://www.shopurbanorchard.com/Heart-picture-frame-multiple-colors/

Painting Sweet Dreams

Posted on January 11, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Good Cause, Playroom Project, RNYM's Picks, Services, Specialty Items .

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own.

In our travels we came across Sabrina Crowley who makes the dreams of little children come true in their special spaces (bedroom, playroom). She is a muralist. In fact, she makes the dreams of grownups come true too. She can paint anything, and make it exactly what you imagined it could be. This is especially cool for people like me, I have awesome ideas, but was not blessed with artistic talent. Here is her story.

My name is Sabrina Crowley and I am a muralist. I just love what I do! There is nothing more exciting then seeing smiling faces on parents and children as they see their room come to life!

I became a muralist when I decided to leave my 15yr fashion design career behind to stay home with my young children, one of which has some severe health issues. It was time for me to be a full time mommy. I soon realized being creative was something I couldn’t live without. I started by painting murals in my children’s rooms, even my 4 year old helped!

I have been an artist all my life. I made my first pair of MC hammer pants in 6th grade, that sewing machine had me at hello. I spent time making crafts such as soaps and candles, quilts and more throughout my high school and college years. I worked many craft shows and street fairs. It was a lot of fun. I graduated from FIT and my fashion career took off. It was amazing, I worked for some really great companies and was really able to spread my creative wings.

Now I paint murals full time. Every room is different and every family has been amazing to work with.

The process is simple. We discuss what you are interested in and I make a trip to your house for a free consult. I sketch up and idea of what room will look like and we proceed from there. I try to accommodate as best I can, as I only paint 2 days a week. I spend about 10-12 hours on each room! I am in and out in two days and quiet as a mouse! You won’t know I’m there…so I’ve heard!

So if your looking to create a fun new space for your little one?

Here are some excellent examples of Sabrina’s work.

For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/Sabrinasmurals/

Christmas Card Ornaments 2015

Posted on December 28, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2015, Photo Obsessed, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, the link included is an affiliate link. All opinions expressed are my own.

When we first had kids we took great care to capture the perfect photo and choose the perfect Christmas card to send to family members and friends. This tradition has not changed in the past 6 years. In the beginning, when we only had one, I would frame one every year and put it on the wall. As the years passed this took up a lot of room, but I loved the cards and wanted to save them in some way.

I do of course put one in each child’s memory box but to me that didn’t seem like enough. A self proclaimed Shutterflyaholic, that’s when I had an idea. I would scan our Christmas card and make an ornament out of it.

Although there are many different choices on the site, I have fallen in love with the Pewter ornament and just adore the way they have come out. Its a great memory every year when I put them on the tree, and the kids love them too.

Here are the photos of ours over the years (please excuse the poor quality, they are actually beautiful in person).

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

One thing that I love about these ornaments is that they are also very affordable since Shutterfly sends out $20 off coupons regularly.

WPPAC Presents Tarzan- REVIEW!

Posted on December 22, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2015, Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to a performance. All opinions expressed are my own.

I LOVE THE THEATER. I want my children to love it too. But its nearly impossible to just pick the correct age to begin bringing them. Then, you have to choose a good venue, not too large so that they can actually see and experience, not get bored because its too small and they are too removed. And then, you have to choose a show that is familiar enough to capture them, and keep their attention. Especially because of the COSTS associated with attending live theater. At WPPAC the family four pack (which is still available at this time) is only $135 which is amazing.

Well theater lovers, look no further. We attended the WPPAC show Tarzan this past weekend and it was everything I have been searching for.

Amenities:

It is a smaller theater, not a bad seat in the house. The seats are super comfortable with modern capabilities. There is lots of leg room and no matter where you are, you can really see and experience the show.

The view of the stage from our seat (excuse terrible cell phone picture).

Getting there is a quick 30-40 minute drive, and parking in the local lot a breeze. If you park on the 5th floor you can walk right into the theater in a well lit garage. Oh and parking is only $1 per hour.

There is a great little snack bar that you can take advantage of where they also have little souvenirs of the show for purchase. Right behind the snack bar is the restrooms, which were comfortable and SUPER CLEAN.

(A) and his cousin (F) at the concession stand.

REVIEW:

The actors at WPPAC are all professionals. The singing and acting was EXCELLENT. Tarzan’s mother had a voice that touched my soul. The child actors were also a great pleasure to see. (A) was very excited to see boys like himself performing on stage.

(A) has seen the cartoon many times before and was immediately into the show. He sat quietly through the first act (which is quite the feat if you know anything about 5 year old boys). At intermission when the audience stepped out to use the restrooms and get refreshments, he spent time running through our aisles pretending to be a gorilla.

He was ready and excited for the second act but wanted to sit in Nana’s lap. This was no problem because of the modern comfortable seats in the theater. When we could tell he had gotten a little tired she told him that he could put his head back and he said “No Nana, I want to see the show”.

It was also great to see him learning musical cues and wanting to show his appreciation. At one point when the cast had almost finished a number he was unsure if it was time to clap and so he leaned over and asked, “do we clap now?”

He made it through and at the end he wanted to know where the music came from, so we walked down to the stage and I showed him where the grates were that led to the pit. This amazed him. When he turned around and saw the monitors he also asked what those were for. We had a little musical theater lesson.

(A) and his cousin (F) down by the stage.

When we exited the theater we heard that the two young boys who had played leads were going to be in the lobby speaking to people. I have NEVER seen (A) get nervous or quiet, but with these boys he was. He was totally in awe. I was finally able to get him to ask if they would sign his playbill, and they happily agreed.

In the car I asked (A) if he wanted me to hold his playbill and he said “No mom, I’ve got it”. He is treasuring it. He already has it up on his high shelf where (E) can’t get at it.

BUY TICKETS:

Group packages, and Gift Certificates also available. Performances run December 26, 28, 29 January 2, 8, 9 at 7 pm and December 19, 20, 26, 27, 30, January 2, 3, 9, 10 at 2 pm.

Take advantage of our family four pack on Dec 18, 19, 26, 28 & 29 at 7pm. Get 2 adults and 2 child tickets for $135 dollars. That’s a 15% savings. Tickets range from $25-$47. For tickets and more information visit www.wppac.com or call (914) 328-1600.

White Plains Performing Arts Center is located at 11 City Place on the 3rd floor of City Center in White Plains, NY.

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