Uncategorized – Page 21 – Rockland NY Mom

Baby-To-Go Car Seat Consultation

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Reviews, Services, Uncategorized .

As a Mom, my main concern is the safety of my children. With a new baby on the way, I wanted to make sure I was up to date on the new car seat laws and to be sure my seats were installed correctly.

I set up an appointment for a Car Seat Consultation with Sarah Ludwig of Baby to Go a SafeKids Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

Sarah came to my home, and the consultation began with a short quiz about basic car seat safety, and I honestly didn’t know all the answers! Some of them were shocking. For example she explained how 4 out of 5 car seats are not installed correctly even when parents think they are. Scary!

Sarah went through the New York State Laws regarding car seats in addition to what she refers to as “Best Practices.” For example: there are no NY state laws stating how long a child should remain rear facing, but there are no car seats on the market that will allow a child to forward face until age 1. As well as the AAP and the NHTSA recommend a child remains rear-facing until age 2. Another thing to keep in mind is that we live so close to New Jersey that their law is to rear-face until age 2 (which we must follow when we drive through the state). So many factors to take into consideration.

We headed outside so she could help show us how to install our seats correctly. Sarah began by asking my ideal location for the seats, and she instantly saw a problem! According to the manufacturer of our harness boosters, I couldn’t have one of the boys in the middle seat because the booster was overhanging the seat slightly! Sarah emphasized the importance of reading both the car manual, as well as the car seat manual to be sure everything is installed correctly.

We began with Sarah installing the 1^st harness booster seat, as I watched and she explained each step. She then removed the seat, and watched as I installed it to be sure I could do it correctly.

We moved on to the baby seat. Sarah pointed our seat is stamped with the expiration date – which also matched the expiration date on the base. Thankfully, the installation is the same as when I had my last little one, so it was a quick refresher! Not all brands stamp their seat with the expiration date, but there will always be a sticker with the date of manufacture and you can consult your manual for expiration date, and some seats have the expiration listed right on the sticker. All depends on the manufacturer.

Sarah then asked me to install the final harness booster seat to finish it off, and I passed the ‘test!’ We finished up with discussing proper belting of the children.

I wanted to be sure and ask Sarah the most popular questions all Moms see the most on the Facebook posts.

“What seat is the best car seat ?”
— There is no BEST seat. It depends on the child and the car.

“What do I do if I am in a car accident? Do I have to get a new seat?”
— For replacement after a car accident, some brands require replacement after any collision, while others follow NHTSA guidelines. NHTSA guidelines include the point of impact, but that’s not the only criterion, and ALL must be met for the seat to be deemed usable.

“Is my child old enough for a high back booster without a harness?”
— Giving a child the freedom of a seatbelt depends greatly on the maturity of the child. If the child is wiggling out of the proper position during a crash, they could sustain serious injury.

“When can I turn my child front facing?”
— American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children now remain rear facing until age 2. However, best practice would be to keep your child rear facing as long as you can.

I learned a ton from the consultation, but what stands out the most is not to rush the car seat milestones, and be sure to read your car seat manual as well as your car manual to be sure your seats are installed correctly.

Sarah is not only a SafeKids Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, she is also a trained Doula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, and a Babywearing Educator!

Sarah is an amazing resource for Moms To Be and New Moms. Be sure to check out her website for her class offerings and services.

www.Baby-to-go.com
facebook.com/BabyToGo
Sarah@baby-to-go.com
914-999-BABY

Sarah is offering a $5 off a single car seat consultation when you mention RNYMOM!

Need more?! Sarah is giving away one free consultation to a lucky reader!!! Random name to be drawn on Wednesday 5/11/16!! Like, comment and share to enter!!! Remember to tag a friend who may need this!!!

Things To Do 5/6-5/8/16!!

Posted on May 6, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

April 29th-May 1 : 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 5- May 8 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 12 -May 15 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 19 – May 22 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 26 -May 30 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!
http://www.hudsonvalley.org/events/lightscapes/tickets
or call 914.366.6900

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Register here: http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshopshttp://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops

Have your child build their very own bird house and decorate with Angry Bird stickers! Each child will also receive a certificate in the end!

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Free Comic Book Day!! DETAILS HERE!!

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locations: http://www.toysrus.com/storeLocator/index.jsp

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In honor of Mothers Day come read 2 fun stories!! “How to Babysit a Grandma” followed by “Mom School”. after story time make a special card for mom!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

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April 29th-May 1 : 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 5- May 8 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 12 -May 15 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 19 – May 22 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 26 -May 30 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!
http://www.hudsonvalley.org/events/lightscapes/tickets
or call 914.366.6900

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We love moms – including the furry and four legged ones! Meet moms of all species and complete a mother’s day inspired craft. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person

http://greenburghnaturecenter.org

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Happy Mother’s Day! In honor of Mother’s Day, Mom’s Go Free at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. May 7th and 8th, Moms Go Free with the purchase of a kid’s ticket. Moms are encouraged to come in and have a great time building with their children and friends! Offer is valid with advanced purchase and walk-up ticket purchases. Purchase tickets online with promotional code 161028.

https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/

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April 29th-May 1 : 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 5- May 8 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 12 -May 15 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 19 – May 22 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm
May 26 -May 30 8:15 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!
http://www.hudsonvalley.org/events/lightscapes/tickets
or call 914.366.6900

May the 4th be With You! Star Wars Events 2016

Posted on May 4, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Have a little Jedi at home? Star Wars Day is today!!! Here are some great local events you can attend, and ideas you can use! Don’t forget to dress as your favorite character!

LEGO STORES * April 30-May 4

Celebrate LEGO^® Star Wars™ with these exclusive May the 4th offers:

FREE Exclusive First Order Stormtrooper™ with a LEGO Star Wars purchase of $50 or more!
Earn DOUBLE VIP points on all LEGO Star Wars purchases!
FREE The Force Awakens Poster with any LEGO Star Wars purchase!

And don’t forget to come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character!

Offers valid April 30 – May 4, 2016 or while supplies last only. Limit one of each free item per customer. See a Brick Specialist for details. Not a VIP? It’s easy and free to sign up! Just visit a LEGO Store and ask a Brick Specialist how to sign up at checkout, or click here to sign up online.

Find a store near you.

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Rebel Jedi Princess Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume

Discovery Times Square, New York, NY – Showing through Setpember 5, 2016

Sunday – Tuesday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Wednesday – Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Friday – Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Final Entry is 45 minutes prior to closing

From the mind of creator George Lucas, to the concept artists who put these ideas to paper, to the artisans and costume designers who produced these fantastical, iconic wardrobes, Star Wars and the Power of Costume examines the complex process of costume making.

Museum Exhibits

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Here’s a little project we did as a family as well :o)

Star Wars Handprint Family Plaque

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Some AMAZING JEDI PHOTOS BY IC YOU PHOTOGRAPHY–

Click here for the full scoop.

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And of course… a link to our Star Wars Birthday Party!

Click Here to see it all happen!

RNYM Picks 4/29-5/1

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Uncategorized .

Here’s our picks for the weekend…Where will we be?
At LIGHTSCAPES! Stay tuned for a full review!

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LIGHTSCAPES

Van Cortlandt Manor springs to life during this incredible nighttime display. Taking place over 20 spring evenings and perfect for all ages, LIGHTSCAPES is a walk-through, land-art experience.

Enter through a rainbow and emerge from a bubbly haze into a dreamland of curiosities spread throughout this historic landscape as far as the eye can see. Do some “shadow dancing” in front of an interactive silhouette wall and transport yourself into a world of wonder as you enter the brand new Bubble Tunnel.

Encounter enormous “live” Luna Moth creations — some 15 feet tall! — perching high on a hill, flittering around for all to see. Check out the underbelly of a giant centipede as you worm your way through its segmented legs!

Navigate a drawbridge as you cross the River of Light and continue on your way to the Colorwheel Castle. Squiggle through the Caterpillar Cavern and discover larger-than-life elements like a colossal praying mantis and a massive mayfly.

Recycled elements serve as eco-friendly building blocks for all of our intergalactic flora and friendly woodland creatures.

State-of-the-art illumination highlights these amazing works of art and showcases Van Cortlandt Manor’s gorgeous natural landscape and specimen trees.

In the artfully decorated LIGHTSCAPES hospitality tent, enjoy spring-themed sweets including organic sorbet from Blue Pig of Croton and homemade candy and baked goods (plus savories!) from Geordane’s of Irvington

FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
8:15PM, 8:30PM, 9PM
more dates through May 30th!
525 S Riverside Ave. Croton-On-Hudson 10520
http://www.hudsonvalley.org/events/lightscapes

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Stew Leonard’s Opens 2016 Little Farms with Celebrations and “Name Our Babies” Contest

Stew Leonard’s Little Farm locations in Yonkers, N.Y. and in Danbury & Norwalk, Conn. will open for the season on Saturday, April 30, 2016. To welcome the baby cows, goats, and sheep to their new homes, Stew’s Little Farms are each hosting celebrations that include snacks, balloons, and special appearances by Clover the Cow, Daphne Duck and Cynthia Chick!

Stew Leonard’s Little Farms are each celebrating the arrival of two baby cows, two baby goats and two baby sheep for the 2016 season. Kids of all ages are welcome to come to the Little Farm and observe the new arrivals, but the “Name Our Babies” contest is limited to children ages 4-10.

Saturday, April 30, 2016 12pm – 2p.m.
Stew Leonard’s Yonkers store, located at 1 Stew Leonard Drive, Yonkers, NY 10710
Customer questions call: (914) 375-4700
http://www.stewleonards.com/stew-leonard-s-opens-2016-little-farms-with-celebrations-name-our-babies-contest

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Mother’s Day at Jill’s Ceramics
Come paint a special gift for Mom or Grandma for Mother’s Day!
RSVP on our Facebook event, or just come on by!
Saturday April 30^th 10am-1pm
180 Germonds Road West Nyack, NY 10994
845-623-4975
https://www.facebook.com/events/1852557344971647/permalink/1853923278168387/
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American Girl Doll Pizza Party

Join Williams-Sonoma and American Girl®
for a hands-on cooking class. Space is limited.
Let’s get together to make pizza dough and sauce from scratch, then top it with fun, yummy toppings!
$40 per child.
Saturday April 30th at 10am
Call or visit your local store for more information or to register!

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Story Time with the Little Ones

“Night at The Stadium”- Story time
A baseball stadium comes to life in this magical picture book written by Phil Bildner and illustrated by Tom Booth from the publishing imprint of legendary sports icon and role model Derek Jeter.
Join us for Storytime where we will read Night at the Stadium
Saturday April 30th 11 am
Barnes and Nobles at The Palisades Center
4416 Palisades Center Drive West Nyack, NY 10994
845-348-4701
https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2905

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Kids Club at Michaels – Tye Dye Banner

Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece.
Sign up in store or online, or just drop in.
$2 per project, supplies included.
Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Saturday April 30th
10 am -12pm
Michaels in the Spring Valley Market Place
845-578-1570
http://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classesandevents

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 Teaching Trails:
Weekend Walks for All Ages 

Join us on our community path for environmental education, generously supported by Con Edison. Guided trail experience through our woodland forest with specially trained “Trail Ninja” volunteers. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE
Saturday April 30th
11:30AM
Greenburgh Nature Center
99 Dromore Rd Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-723-3470
http://greenburghnaturecenter.org
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Daniel Tiger “LIVE”

Do you love Daniel Tiger on PBS? Now you can catch Daniel Tiger “live” on the Daniel Tiger Tour.

Won’t you be our neighbor? The legacy of the beloved “Mister Rogers” lives on with the hit television series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, from The Fred Rogers Company and airing daily on PBS KIDS. Now, Daniel and all of his friends are hopping aboard Trolley to delight live audiences with DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! Donning his iconic red sweater, Daniel takes the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore the vibrant world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others, and celebrating new experiences. This live theatrical production filled with singing, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations.

The animated TV series has garnered a host of prestigious awards, and most recently was nominated for a 2015 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program. This recognition follows a string of additional honors, including a 2015 Parents’ Choice Gold Award and 2014 Prix Jeunesse International Selection as well as the 2013 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series in the Preschool Category, and 2013 Cynopsis: Kids! Imagination Award for Preschool Series.

Sunday May 1st – Shows at 1:30pm and 5pm
Mid Hudson Civic Center – 14 Civic Center Plaza Poughkeepsie 12601
http://danieltigerlive.com

Things to Do! Spring Break 2016

Posted on April 26, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

This week some people are lucky enough to be on spring break… I am working, but my kiddos are off…Days 1 and 2 are always great, everyone is excited…by day 3 we find parents and children are looking for something fun to do (especially…ahem…if the weather is yucky)… Here’s a great little list (including some savings) for you to take advantage of this week!!

Jill’s Ceramics is opening early especially for you. Right before Mother’s Day this is a great time to go and make a little something special for someone special.

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4/25-4/29 Open Jump 10 am-8 pm

Jump N Glow Friday and Saturday 8- 10 pm

Sunday May 1st opening at Noon

*No Groupons or Specials will be accepted this week.

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Get in touch with your creative side!!!

To Redeem….Go to: https://tickets.crayolaexperience.com/

For Store Name Type: ROCKLAND

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Enjoy 20% off admission to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester!

READ OUR FULL REVIEW!!!

Tickets must be purchased online at: https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/tickets-and-offers/ticket-prices.aspx
Enter your promo code: MBRNYMNZ15
Follow the prompts to complete the purchase

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READ OUR FULL REVIEW!!!

4/25, 4/26, & 4/28 from 12 pm – 6 pm

Phone: 856-768-1110
100 Pinedge Drive
West Berlin, NJ 08091

http://www.diggerlandusa.com/

Diggerland is a construction themed amusement part that is buckets of fun for everyone! Ride, dig and drive all in one day!

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Sahara Sams – Read our Full Review!

http://saharasams.com/

M-F 10-7pm

535 North Route 73
West Berlin, NJ

Indoor and Outdoor Water Park!

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http://www.edaville.com/thomas-land/

Hours: http://www.edaville.com/hours-and-directions/park-hours/

Edaville USA
5 Pine Street Carver
MA 02330

RNYM Things To Do 4/15-4/17

Posted on April 15, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Record Store Day!!!

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Kids Club® Paper Butterfly Windsock Michaels

April 16, 2016 (10:00 AM -12:00 PM)

Drop in for Kids Club from 10-noon on Saturday, April 16th, where kids will make a windsock. Just $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative, craft fun – supplies included!

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ROCA OPEN HOUSE!!!

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Beginner Bird Watching

Use binoculars and field guides to learn how to identify birds by shape, behavior, plumage and more. Bring your own binoculars. Suggested for ages 18 and up. FREE for members, Non-members $8/person

http://greenburghnaturecenter.org/programs-and-events.html

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REGISTER HERE

Explore, discover, and connect with your fellow community members at our Earth Day Celebration! Our attendees can volunteer to assist in critical projects to renew our preserve, join our sustainability education programs, and attend our Arbor Day tree planting. Click here for a s chedule of events.

Featuring Solar Punch – a band on a mission!

Solar Punch will be performing solar-powered musical entertainment and live demonstrations of solar cooking with an advanced solar cooker design. Visit www.solarpunch.org to learn more.

Grow healthy and vibrant plants at home by ordering
your very own composter and/or rain barrel.

ORDER HERE!______________________________________________

Special Event, Children’s Event, Storytime (Childrens)

Barnes and Noble Nanuet
Saturday April 16, 2016 11:00 AM

Larry the lovable monster from Don’t Push the Button! is back with another hilarious, interactive adventure! I know what you’re thinking: this is a pretty cool-looking book. But … DON’T TOUCH THIS BOOK! (Don’t even try it.) Join us for Storytime featuring Don’t Touch This Book! Coloring and activities to follow.

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Searching for Alternatives- My Journey

Posted on March 29, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own.

As you read I want you to understand that I am not telling this story for pity. I am a lucky momma, and am fully aware of how blessed I am that my daughter is and will continue to be just fine. Everyone has a story and this is mine.

I was a lucky momma with two very conventional pregnancies. Like other mommas I did everything I was told. I ate only what was recommended, was careful to be safe with everything. I took my role as carrier and protector VERY seriously. I read books, I planned, I organized, I was ready.

Both (A) and (E) were great babies. At 14 days old things changed a bit for little (E). We discovered a dermatological issue (called a Hemangioma) that landed us in the hospital for 5 days. During those days little (E) was titrated onto a medication that she would have to take until she was at least 1 year old. Additionally, because these marks are often indicators that there are underlying issues she was put through almost every test under the sun.

These tests uncovered several other issues including a tethered spinal cord (which she had spine surgery on at 15 months and is doing fine). It led to having specialists that I never knew existed, and at least monthly trips to the city to see them. Thank God most her issues are what are called “normal anomalies” things that she will “grow out of”. Looking at or spending time with her, you would NEVER know.

Most recently we found that she has several allergies, and asthma, which has contributed to several hospital stays, and many changes around my house.

My mother actually raised me homeopathically. As a child we were vaccinated, but went to see a special doctor who treated ailments with more natural methods. Not that she didn’t or doesn’t believe in modern medicine (we had antibiotics when absolutely necessary). I of course share many of the same beliefs.

I was adamant that my children be breastfed for the first year of life, when (A) didn’t latch I made it happen and exclusively pumped for a year. (Special thanks to RNYD who supported me completely).
I made all of their baby food (see our feeding baby page for how).
I don’t like to give my children medication when I don’t have to.

I in no way think that these things make me a better mom than any other mother out there. It makes me the type of mom I wanted to be.

Naturally, I was a little disappointed when (E) needed several medications long term. I do however see the necessity and she has taken them as she has needed.

I have though started looking into other ways to keep the kiddies healthy since. Not wanting to add to the medications and chemicals that they are exposed to has led me to several different changes.

I installed a water softener in the house.
I have tried to use more natural cleaners.
The kids have an extra heap-filter in their room, as does our new vacuum, and we have the extra filter on our central air.
I use essential oils for immunity as well as for when they are sick (unless it gets really serious and they need medical attention.)
I have them in classes that help them develop necessary skills for fine and gross motor movement, as well as good health habits (mental and physical).

This has led me to a place where I would like to share some of my experience and the things that I have found with you all. I am going to host a variety of “Wellness Workshops” for parents where you can come and learn about some of the things I have used (or do). Admission is free, and there will be some where you can purchase the items discussed. Mostly though, you can get answers to questions and learn (while meeting other like minded parents in the area).

If you are interested in learning more, make sure to watch our Facebook Feed as well as our Events Page for dates, times and details as space will be limited. We will hold multiples of each if there is interest, but would like to keep things smaller and more intimate when possible (oh and we are doing our best to have children’s activities available as well).

Mark your calendar and keep an eye out for our first workshop on 4/14 at 6:00 at Wayne’s World in Nanuet. Facebook event as well as a full explanation to come this week!!!

Stew Leonards Easter Bunny Brunch- Review

Posted on March 27, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Easter, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

There are a lot of great activities out there to do for the holidays. So many that we bring you various posts for each where you can choose which to attend. We don’t list EVERY single event because it would be overwhelming. Instead, we bring you the ones we think are really great. We love the Trains (Delaware River. and Catskill Mountain), and last year we attended a great egg hunt at Greenburgh Nature Center that will remain on the list.

This year we attended the Stew Leonard’s Bunny Brunch (Yonkers), and boy did we have a great time! If you follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Youtube) you saw some of our real-time posts. This event was ADORABLE. We had such a good time, our Auntie and I really got to sit back and watch the kids enjoy themselves.

Firstly, many people shy away from events in Yonkers thinking its far away, but its such a straight trip and only takes about 25 minutes. There are a lot of great things to do on that side of the bridge that we have highlighted (keep an eye on our events page).

The brunch was held in the party room in a nice secluded area where we were let in and the door was closed (no fear that a child would escape or someone not involved could get in. This bit of safety and security really helped to put me at ease. The room was decorated very nicely with Easter embellishments everywhere. There were table markers with our name on it to indicate where we should sit (if you want to sit with friends let them know when you register, although you can also just ask one of the many helpers to be moved if necessary.

There was a buffet on the right hand side that we could begin eating right away. The event was such a great manageable size that the line never got very long and the kids were even able to get back up and have seconds without waiting. The meal included basic brunch elements, but I was very happy to see some great healthy options as well. The food was delicious (both kiddos wanted seconds). They especially loved the silver dollar pancakes (kiddo size) and the fresh fruit.

When everyone had eaten, there was an announcement and music started playing. Then came the entertainment. The Easter Bunny and his friends came in to play with the kids. They danced and walked around the whole room high fiving the kids (and parents) as well as posing for photos. Once they made it through the crowd they moooved to the front where they danced to some popular songs that involve the crowd (whip nae nae, cha cha slide, and the chicken dance). This was SO MUCH FUN! The kids really enjoyed dancing around with the characters (who were so good with them and really looked out for them), and watching it was really heartwarming.

You can watch (E) dance with the characters on this YouTube video and see how adorable it was :o)

Neither the kids nor the adults stopped smiling from ear to ear. After a few dances an announcement was made to go back to our tables where we would be called to come up for pictures with the Bunny. Photos can be purchased (right then and there) or you can use your own camera/device for free.

The event lasted about an hour and a half, which was perfect. The kids had fun, ate well, but there was no burnout like there can sometimes be at overwhelming events. On our way out the door the kids were given coloring pages and a book on eating healthy (a major plus in my eyes). I really hadn’t expected this either and the kids loved getting a “gift”.

Stew Leonard’s does a lot of these adorable events which we will be making sure to add to our “must do” lists and our events calendar. We highly recommend them (we will certainly be back)!

Delaware River Rail Road’s Easter Bunny Train and Egg Hunt

Posted on March 26, 2016 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Reviews, Uncategorized .

This past summer we had a BLAST at Dino Days on the Delaware River Railroad, so we were ecstatic when we were invited back to ride the Easter Bunny Train this past Saturday.

The train station was a quick hour and a half trip into New Jersey, right to the boarder of Pennsylvania. Parking was simple, and free. There were guides sending you to an empty lot where a school bus will bring you to the entrance. Lines moved quickly at the ticket booth, to pick up your will call tickets.

As you walk down the path leading to the train (pretty steep hill, go slow. If you need assistance ask at the ticket booth and they will drive you down in a golf cart) you can hear the mechanical organ playing festive music, and smell the yummy food from the food tent.

The train was ready as we arrived, so we jumped right on with excitement! There was PLENTY of room allowing us to spread out so both the boys could see out their own window. The cars were decorated with Easter garlands, and Easter music playing over the loud speaker. A fun bonus was that there was a snack car! Sandwiches, popcorn, candy and drinks all for purchase (bring cash) Oh, and bathrooms!

The train traveled along the Delaware River for about 45 minutes the first leg of the trip. The kids were wildly entertained by the jugglers coming through the cars interacting with everyone, as well as the banjo player walking passed singing fun songs, and of course the Easter Bunny made is way through taking pictures and dancing with all the kids. They have a professional photographer taking the pictures, but you are more than welcome to use your own camera as well.

As the train turned back we rode for about 15 minutes before we stopped for the Easter Egg Hunt! Each child was allowed to gather 4 eggs, (and there were plenty of eggs available, so no need to rush off the train.) The eggs were filled with toy rings, bracelets, stickers, temporary tattoos and chewy candies. (If you have young kids – under 2 years – I would recommend bringing your own treats to sneak in the eggs) They had 2 Easter Bunnies sitting and available for pictures, the banjo man rocking out, and the fabulous jugglers.

The Easter Bunny made another quick round through the train, along with the jugglers and the banjo player. Before we knew it the trip was over! The whole trip was about 2 hours long, and we LOVED every second of it!

Tickets are still available for this Saturday – 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm. Purchase tickets here: http://www.877trainride.com/easterticketoffice.htm

Delaware River Railroad has excursions through out the year.
Stop by www.877trainride.com to check out all the fun!

Happy Easter!

Play Fair! – Review

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to visit the Playfair.

We were so excited to head to the first event of PlayFair at the Javitts Center Saturday morning. Unfortunately the event is sold out, but I still want to share our experience with you!

We ordered our tickets before the mailing deadline, so we had our badges in hand so we were able to walk right in. Sadly, if you did not have badges it was a long wait outside. Due to the severe cold, this was rectified by the afternoon session. Right inside the door was a coat check, and plenty of employees directing you.

Lets start with the basics:

There are plenty of parking lots near the center. We chose one about 3 blocks away. Easy.
If you don’t NEED a stroller, don’t bring it. With the crowds it can get hard to maneuver.
Use the coat check so you have empty hands for taking pictures and having fun!
There are ample clean bathrooms with changing tables
There are food options – hot pretzels, popcorn, smoothies, fruit, ice cream etc. You can also bring in your own food.

One of the great parts is that once you are in you don’t need to pay for anything (except food). At certain booths you are able to purchase items, but it was also easily avoidable to prevent meltdowns.

The center is huge and full of interactive stations with games and toys to explore. Crayola, Legos, Thomas the Train, Nickelodeon, Toys R Us – you name it! With give-a-ways at almost every one!

There was so much to see and do, I am going to narrow it down to the big stuff!

Through out the session there were numerous Character Photo ops – Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Ninja turtles, Shimmer and Shine to name a few. Each Session has different characters available, so be sure to check the website for a list. The lines were long, and a bit unorganized so we decided to save our meet and greet for our favorite, PJ Masks!

There were also characters roaming around – Captain America, Princess Belle, Geoffrey the Giraffe, Play-dough, all available for photo ops.

There was a really neat camera at Crayola that would take your picture and turn it into a coloring page! Boys got a kick out of that.

The LEGO area was awesome. It was a lot like being at LegoLand! Buckets of legos to build with, racetracks to race your cars, a lego wall to build tiles. Super cool!

(W)’s favorite part was the pedal kart racetrack! Berg toys set up a racetrack letting the kids try out their amazing pedal bikes. He was so proud of himself afterwards. “That was really hard at first, but I really figured it out!”

We really wanted to get in to see the Nickelodeon station. It looked fun with slides, photo ops, and creative stations. But the line was incredibly long, so we had to miss that one.

The session went fast! We were so busy having fun, next thing we knew it was time to go! Being that it was a brand new event in its FIRST YEAR we expected a few bumps. The lines were long, and the event was over crowded, but the boys had a blast!

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