Category Archives: Shopping

Build Your Summer S’mores Kit!

Posted on by Posted in Camp Johnston, RNYM's Picks, Shopping, Specialty Items, Yumm! .

Disclosure:  All opinions expressed are my own.  This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on them and purchase the items, we earn a small commission.

If you know me, or have BBQ’d with me, then you’ve probably been subject to my fireside feasts.  I LOVE FIRE!  When we purchased our home and our lake house one of the major items needed was a fireplace, they go all winter long.  In the summer it is no different.  I made sure that we have a fire pit at each, and I love to make a fire, have a drink, and make ridiculous treats by the fire.  To me its the embodiment of summer.  My happy place, my solitude.  I am going to share some of the awesome stuff we do with you.  This one is just how I built my unbelievable s’mores kit.

I know this is a trend now, but I SWEAR (anyone can attest to it, I was doing this a long time before it was chic.  I have linked you up to all of the items I suggest through my buddies Amazon, but I find most of my stuff at Walmart, and the regular food store.

First and Foremost– the items you need in order to do this:

You also NEED somewhere to store everything- my family KNOWS not to touch the smores kit, its OFF LIMITS, I don’t care how much you want a sweet treat.  I keep everything packed up in a plastic tub so it keeps fresh, and it helps them to know what they CANNOT eat.

When I make the kit I put them on a nice tray for presentation.

The bread– (what we affectionately call the outer portion of the s’more) Graham crackers are fine, but it gets super fun when you mix up the bread parts.

Marshmallows– THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT OPTIONS!!
(also worth noting, there was a chocolate peppermin stutffed option this winter, I purchased some and held onto them until summer and they were great so i’ll stock up again this winter)
Candy-
I just went to Hershey with the kids and found some great new flavors I HAD to buy and try (mint, strawberry and birthday cake, will let you know how that went.

Communion Prep Begins! Saying “Yes” to the Dress!

Posted on by Posted in Events, Party, Reviews, Services, Shopping, Specialty Items .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  We simply got an appointment at this amazing shop and wanted to share.

With E’s health issues at the forefront of our mind we needed to start making preparations for her First Holy Communion.  Although we are still unsure of what it will look like for her, we wanted to make it as special as possible.  E loves fashion, she chooses my clothing most days.  I knew she would want an extra special experience for her dress shopping.  I researched a few places that we could take her, and decided on Little Nikki’s in Ho Ho Kus NJ.  It’s less than a half hour away from us here in Rockland, and the shop just looked special.

Well I was right.  I emailed to make an appointment, hoping that we could do it safely and solo.  Well, that’s the only way they do it.  You book a 1 3/4 hour time slot and its just you and whomever you would like to bring.  We decided to invite the ladies in the family.  The whole making of the appointment was easy as pie.

The day of we showed up and what a CUTE SHOP!  So many beautiful dresses, I wish my wedding shopping had been this sweet!!!  You start by getting a quick tour of where to find things, and then a rolling rack that you can add any dresses you are looking to try on to.

Once we selected the options that we liked, E and I went to start the fashion show.  There are shoes you can wear while trying for effect, and of course we had to try the HEELS!

We tried so many variations of dress (there is really something for everybody) from layered, to eyelet lace, to classic, to prairie style. Our second runner up even had POCKETS!!!  It is not easy to decide (especially when you have a lot of opinions).

Here is what I LOVED.  As we modeled, the owner watched carefully, and provided some input but watched more carefully.  She waited for E to have a reaction.  She knew when E had chosen a dress before I did.  She came right in and completed the look with a veil and a tiara (how did she know E was a tiara gal?), and that was it.  I couldn’t believe my eyes, and neither could E.  We were sold.

After we made the decision we got to go over to the adorable photo-op area (now you’re speaking my language) to take “Said Yes to the Dress” pic ( I am saving the dress one because I want it to fit well when you see it).  What a great experience!!!  As always, should you decide to go to Little Nikki’s we appreciate you letting them know you heard it here.

What was even better, is that my sister is due with baby #2 in April, and so we walked next door to check out the fabulous collection of Baptism clothing as well, something tells me this is not our last trip :o)

Little Nikki’s – Luxuries for Baby & Child

618 North Maple Avenue, Ho Ho Kus, New Jersey 07423, United States

(201) 445-7888

What do you know about Pillows?

Posted on by 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.

Moms Gone Wild- An Unlikely Girls Day Out

Posted on by 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.