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

Despite my being only 41 (yeah, I am saying ONLY) I do long for many of the “old school” experiences.  I miss excellent customer service.  I miss walking into a store with no idea what I want or what I am looking for, finding an excellent salesperson and having them help me.  When I find somewhere that has these attributes, I become a loyal customer. 

That being said, I have a LOT of ideas for home projects. I am really tired of going to “big box” stores to ask questions about my ideas, only to find untrained

 staff. You meet sales people who don’t want to help you (or can’t) and I end up guessing what suits my needs.  Sometimes it works out and I feel a sense of accomplishment.  Other times, I fail and am annoyed at the giant waste of time and money. 

Well, I wish I had known sooner what the Wallauer Paint and Design really is.  Having grown up in Nanuet, I had seen the building a million times. They are centrally located on College Avenue. I knew that they sold paint, and I knew that when I was driving to my grandparent’s house in Yonkers we passed another Wallauer location (with the dripping paint can? Yeah you know the one) but didn’t know much about them in general.

Let me put my 41 years of experience out there for you.  This is a FABULOUS place to go and get your home improvement needs met. Which is why Wallauer has 100 years of experience. 

Yep that’s right Wallauer Paint and Design is currently celebrating their 100th year in business. To celebrate they have a great promotion going where they are giving away $100 in product every month in 2021 (LINK).  But that’s not why I am writing this post.  

What did I experience when I went there?  Salespeople who don’t pressure you.  Salespeople who are trained to answer your questions, and if they don’t know, they will do the research and get back to you in a timely manner.  Yep they actually CALLED me back on the phone to answer my questions since I was there on my lunch break.  Eight minutes later…I had a solution!  Salespeople who will walk you around the store and help you find what you need (with actual knowledge of their products).  I observed while I was there, that while one salesperson was helping me, another was totally engrossed in helping another woman.  This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for.  I don’t want to be discounted for being female in a hardware store, I want to learn.

Wallauer carries a full spectrum of decorating products.  Their services include color consultations, At-Home Design Conferences, and professional installation of all window coverings, blinds, shades, shutters, and draperies.  Wallauer carries major brands such as Benjamin Moore paint and Hunter Douglas window coverings. Paint ranges that include interior, exterior, and specialty paints. Wallauer has at home design consultations.  They do custom window coverings and even bed coverings to go with any design.  Even better, they are also an Ace Hardware, which means that when I go to shop for my paint, I can also get all the necessary tools for the job all at the same place.  The products are recommended, and if I already have them, it’s great, if not, I can pick them all up right there (check back on our site for coupons to ACE as well).  

I always thought that stores like this w

ere just for the professionals who knew what they were doing.  It turns out they are perfect for the everyday family looking to improve their homes.

For my first project (I told you I have MANY ideas) I am going to sand and refinish all of my outdoor chairs at my lake house, make sure you check back to see my progress.  Here is my before photo:  

Here are some of the stains I was checking out…

Wallauer is currently offering this great Father’s Day coupon for use with purchase, as well as that chance to win a $100 gift card every month in 2021!!!  

Check their website for more great deals like: Buy one Get one Free Paint Sample, as well as a new homeowners packet with gift certificates and free one on one service. 

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  My daughter however did design this dress and if you should purchase one she makes a small commission.

My little fashonista has been working on drawing “fashion” for as long as I can remember. During lockdown we worked super hard at encouraging and developing hobbies that our kids enjoyed, so that our time together was special. As you know (A) took up cooking and has become quite the chef.   At 8 years of age (E) started a social media page that was available mostly to our friends and family.  A few months later she has a small Facebook following and shares some of our fashion finds, as well as our fashion projects.  She received this great sewing machine from Santa for Christmas and CANNOT WAIT to learn how to use it (summer plan).  I CAN’T find a local fashion class to enroll her in, she is still too young.  So we took matters into out own hands.

We found a site called cow cow where you can upload and create your own designs of their clothing.  It takes a while to arrive but we took a chance and designed one for fun.  When it came it was ADORABLE.  SHE LOVES IT! She is so absolutely proud of herself.  She got some great feedback on her Facebook page so we decided to create a link to purchase!!!  This site took it one step further and made it possible for her to make her own store!!!  This means that she can earn a small amount of money on each item that is sold.  Check out the official Emmie’s Closet Sales Page HERE . As with any online clothing company the sizing can be odd.  This dress runs true to size- she is still wearing this size 10 even though she is a 12.

Purchase Dress Here: http://www.cowcow.com/_p186422721

This little entrepreneur didn’t stop there, since she didn’t want her brother to feel left out, she decided that she would design a t-shirt for him!  (SHHHH Don’t tell!) The kids shirts and the women’s’ run SUPER small so please size up- the men’s shirt fits better.

Purchase Raglan T-shirt Here: http://www.cowcow.com/_p186422724 

Mens Shirt: https://www.cowcow.com/men-classic-monster-cotton-tee_p186563330

She even added SHOES!  https://www.cowcow.com/classic-monster-movies-kids-canvas-slip-ons_p186422727

Since she just created these and this is our fist time posting, I can say that I am not yet sure how the “selling” will go.  I know that she is excited, and if she sells even one item she will be OVER THE MOON.  She wants to add to the classic monster collection especially since there isn’t much in that category for kids like her who truly enjoy them.  This summer we plan to add more to it and work on sewing so that more original designs can come your way!  I hope that you enjoy!  Be sure to check her webpage for future designs, and remember that since creation and shipping take a while (about a month) if you are interested in having one say for Halloween, you should order soon <3

EMMIE’S CLOSET LINK: Frankenstein By Emmiescloset, Custom Frankenstein, Sort By Latest | CowCow

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

RNYD and I have been looking for a Lake House since we first met.  It has always been our dream to find the perfect family getaway, and eventually move there full time in retirement.  We are well suited for lake life, loving the cool outdoors, fishing and wildlife.  Last year be we began looking seriously, and were lucky to find the perfect hideaway in Lake Ariel PA. 

This gated community is located in the Poconos and boasts, 2 pools, 3 lakes (the largest being the one with two beaches to hang out at), a ski hill, tubing, 9 holes of golf, mini golf and so much more!

For availability and to rent CLICK HERE

We purchased this fall and have spend all of our free time since fixing it up to our liking and relaxing.  We have some time that we cannot use in the upcoming months, and our loss is your gain!  We have made it available to rent!!  Check availability on our listing as well as a full set of photos, and amenities. FULL LISTING

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

We visited the FASNY Museum of Firefighting years ago and ADORED it.  What an interesting day trip to take!!!  Here’s some virtual fun for you, plus information on booking a visit!

Join us virtually at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting on April 24, 2021 at 11am for a FREE virtual program featuring Penny the Pirate. Where did all of Pirate Penny’s magical treasure chests come from, and what is in all these amazing treasure chests that Pirate Penny will open? Tune in to find out.

Next, go on a virtual treasure hunt in the Museum with Penny the Pirate and her friend, Molly the Pirate Dog (AKA Molly the Museum Dog.) Will they find the treasure…or at least a dog treat? These presentations are filled with music, sound effects and comedy, but more importantly, they will teach children fire safety and prevention through these fun filled virtual activities. Finally, Penny the Pirate will read a pirate story to Molly the Pirate Dog and the virtual visitors. Stay tuned to the end of the program to find out how you can have some super pirate crafts sent to your home for more pirate fun! Batten down the hatches and prepare for a pirate adventure your child will not soon forget! This program is FREE and can be accessed on the day of the event by going to the Museum’s website and clicking on the link for the calendar OR by going to YouTube and using the key words FASNY Museum of Firefighting to get to the Museum’s You Tube channel.

The FASNY Museum of Firefighting is America’s interactive museum of firefighting! Activities for families include, but are not limited to, the Fire Service Carnival and the interactive Race to the Scene Fire Truck. With over 60 pieces of apparatus on exhibit, whether you’re a firefighter, a student of history or a family looking for a fun and educational day trip, you will not want to miss this unique Museum. The Museum is currently open to the public by reservation. To make a reservation, visit www.fasnyfiremuseum.com or call 518-822-1875.