Category Archives: Uncategorized

Halloween Haunts 2018

Posted on by Posted in Halloween, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

During the holiday season my kids love nothing more than to make some hot chocolate and drive around looking at the lights.  At 8 and 5 they are getting so much more into all the holidays, not just Christmas and this year they asked us to kick our Halloween decor a bit.  It was super fun to do and we love it. Since we put more effort into ours- we started noticing the decor at other people’s houses too!  We have made a list for you of places that we’ve found that you might enjoy!

This time (A) and (E) recommend making cups of hot apple cider, and driving around this weekend or next (in your skeleton pajamas of course).  See you out there!!!

New City

20 Irion Drive

Congers

88 South Congers Road

Nanuet

Convent Road

Pelham and East Allison

Declark Place

West Nyack

35 Pittsford Road

54 East Street

Foxwood Road

Pearl River

Center Street

Ablondi

Villa

South Orangetown

Parkway Drive

Blauvelt

103 West Erie Street

20 Buttonwood Place

Stony Point

30 Knapp Road

Jersey

https://www.facebook.com/events/1127441797447231/ 

https://www.facebook.com/RidgewoodHalloweenMaze/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARDmFGk8n5f7hz5JsNgvVaBBo97vBmR5ShJKJ2_aTzfdVThcQYYBmYrgf9i5L0zg9xEXe2mfUEUWTxdR

Ready Set Grill!!

Posted on by Posted in Uncategorized, Yumm! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as Shoprite sent us some products to try.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Once the snow thaws (sometimes even before) in our house the grill starts.  Its our favorite way to eat.  We are always looking for healthy natural ways to mix it up instead of getting into the rut with the same old burgers, hot dogs, steak and plain grilled chicken.  Wandering the isles at Shop Rite if you head over to the marinade isle you will see their new line of Wholesome Pantry all natural marinades. I couldn’t resist picking up a few- oh and some organic ketchup (do I dare veer from the usual Heinz?)

First up I decided to try the teriyaki marinade first.  I had it all ready to go, in the fridge and then we got hit with rain (this summer was so much of this).  What is nice is that the marinade is so versatile I was able to change it to a stove top meal, so its not just for grilling. Super easy- I cooked the marinated chicken, then once cooked thoroughly I added broccoli, and carrots.  I served it over brown rice and YUM!!!

Happy to report that I switched out the ketchup, and my kids at first didn’t notice a difference, then asked me on the 3rd use- if it was a new kind- because it was BETTER than the old one- and (E) loves ketchup. Her favorite meal is chicken nuggets and french fries.  I’ve since used it as a glaze on top of my meatloaf as well as a condiment for our regular hamburger and hot dog grilling.

The final one that I used I saved for last simply because my family gobbled it up so quickly I don’t know what to say.  I marinated the chicken overnight for this last one, then just grilled it up, and served it with corn on the cob and some mashed potatoes.

(A) determined that it was his favorite chicken ever and its become a staple in our home.  Its another marinade that despite being amazing on the grill, can be brought inside if the weather goes south (which is pretty much all the time these days).

I am absolutely loving this new Wholesome Pantry line from Shoprite.  I feel good about the delicious food I am feeding my family.  Everything I have tried we are hooked on!  I can’t wait to try some more of their great products!

 

 

Wild West City- Review

Posted on by Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  We attended and thought you’d be interested.  All opinions expressed are our own.

This week my sister, mother and I took the kids to Wild West City.  We had heard of it before and saw a deal on Groupon so decided it was well worth a try.  The ride is a painless hour to Stanhope NJ.  Right near the attraction are a Shop Rite, McDonalds, and a great little Tavern that we had lunch at.

The kids had a blast, and we spent the day together enjoying and having time out in the sun.  There’s a lot of history to be learned, but my kids (8 and 5) were not interested in the museum displays.  Thy different buildings were set up as mini-museums of what each place would have been during the time period.  They were dark (of course), and required a lot of reading which  my kids were pretty quickly bored with.  This is fine, because we’ve been places before where this happens, so we just went to the buildings they were really interested in and read a bit about that.  I wasn’t hell bent on a history lesson for the day.

All of the people who worked there were lovely, ready to explain history of the period and play along with the kids.  The horses are all friendly and love to be pet.  There are “shows” in the main street that happened pretty much all day with 2 of them being geared toward children’s participation.

We watched the opening ceremonies and said hi to some horses and then headed down to some of the interactive exhibits.

First we spent some time down at the barn.  There were a few animals that you can pet and feed. Animal food cost .50 per cone and it worth it.  The kids enjoyed having their hands tickled by the munching animals.

Next we hit up the FREE mining exhibit that we could have literally spent all day in.  There’s a large mound of dirt to dig up and then sift through in the water feature.  There was ACTUAL FOOLS GOLD in the pile, which the kids were loving- MOM TIP- bring a snack size plastic bag to put it in to bring home.  

We walked back up to the main street to watch another small show and then did a carriage ride.  Carriage rides, train rides and pony rides have an additional cost and you have to purchase tickets at the main stage or pizza stand before you head over.   The kids enjoyed being held up :o)

We did the pony ride which was fun (they hadn’t ridden anything except the camel at the Ren Faire).

The kids wandered and took some photos locked in the jail before there was the robbery and calling for deputies (all kiddos) to help track them down.  This was SUPER CUTE.  There’s a staged robbery, then they call for help finding the bad guys.  All kids present are sworn in and given badges.  They then track the bandits and bring them to the jail. Judges are chosen and a hearing is held… I won’t tell you all the details in case you want to go see for yourself.  MOM TIP- if you look in the main street on the ground you can find the empty cartridges from the blanks being shot by the actors as a little souvenir.

WE spent the better part of 4 hours there before getting hot and hungry.  You can bring your own food for the picnic area, or you can purchase from the food stand or saloon.  We decided that since we were done for the day we would leave and look for a restaurant which we did.  We went down the road to the Stonehill restaurant, which was really very, very good (and had AC).

Kids had a blast, learned a few things, and did something different.  This is not an expensive day out compared to many.  There is a fun Halloween event they’ve got going on if you want to head over during the fall (weekends only), or maybe just add to your adventure list for next year.

As always- we appreciate you letting them know you heard about them here if you head over :o)

 

Teaching More than Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

Last week we walked into our regular drum lesson at New City School of Music ready to rock with (A)’s teacher Andrew.  (A) really looks forward to them.  While we were waiting for Andrew to come in to get us (A) often likes to look at the trophies to see who is testing this coming month.  We hadn’t even realized it had been a year since (A) started lessons, until he found the trophy that adorned his name.

When we walked into our lesson (A) brought it up and Andrew checked his records.  Yep it was time.  He offered (A) two choices.  Try to earn it right then and there- pop quiz style, or go home to prepare and test the following week.  I was really unsure which he would choose, then he picked pop quiz.  Although I was super excited that he was feeling so self assured, I was immediately nauseous.  If he was nervous he didn’t look it one bit.

Andrew gave his assignment and he was off to the races.  He made it through, but it was a little choppy and he had to stop once or twice when he first started to begin again.  Really though, he did really well for a kid who was taking a pop quiz.  Andrew concurred, then surprised me (pleasantly).   He asked (A) how he thought he did, to which (A) replied “OK”.

Andrew asked if it was the very best he could do.  (A) replied that no, he could do better with some preparation.  Then Andrew told him that technically he had gotten enough of it right to earn the trophy, but offered him two more choices.  He could take the trophy home that day having met the minimum requirements, or he could go home and prepare.  Come back next week, and nail it.

(A) thought for a moment (how tempting it must have been) then said that he would rather practice and then knock it out of the park.  Andrew and I were both pleased with this decision.  They went on with their lesson.  During this lesson they had a chance to “jam” together and it was awesome.  Andrew gave him his assignment when we were leaving and said he knew (A) was going to kill it.  (A) vowed to practice hard.

And practice he did.  Every night he went into his room and prepared, asking RNYD to go in with him and listen to make sure he was doing it well.

This past Monday (A) headed back to class ready to rock it.  I couldn’t be there because I had back to school night (which is apparently pointless without the teacher).  RNYD accompanied him.  I kept checking my phone to see how it went, and low and behold 10 minutes into the lesson I got the message.  He nailed it, followed by two ecstatic photos.  When I got home, he was really excited to tell me all about it.  I am so proud of him.

I’m also so super glad that Andrew and The New City School of Music have the same type of values that we have in our house.  (A) didn’t get that trophy just because he reached the 1 year mark.  He didn’t get it because he met the minimum requirement, nor because he tried and he should be rewarded for that.  He received the trophy as a reward for hard work, for practicing.  He earned it.  So did Andrew.  In giving (A) options, and letting him take ownership of his progress, he taught him way more than the drums.  He taught him that things worth doing are worth doing right, that hard work pays off, and that you shouldn’t settle for the minimum.  He showed (A) what he was capable of with practice.  I can’t wait to see where this goes next <3

Home Upgrades (bill downgrades) with Northern Windows

Posted on by Posted in Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Services, Uncategorized .

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

Like many other Rocklanders right now I am frustrated.  My O&R bill has always been on the higher side, but I do own a 1950’s ranch with no insulation, just fiberglass in the attic.  In the past 3 months my bill has jumped yet ANOTHER $200.  Which leaves me thinking- is my house that inefficient?  Why all of the sudden has it jumped up that much?  What can I do about it?  Enter Steve Murray of Northern Windows, Siding, Roofing and Insulation.  He’s a RNYM directory member and honestly one of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.  I gave him a call and was able to meet two days later at my house.  I was ready to hear that there was nothing I could do because my walls are plaster- but what I got was truly an education.

First of all Steve recommended doing an efficiency audit-which there is a local program available to have it done for free (or close to it).  During this audit they will seal up the house and check to see where the most energy is lost (CLICK HERE).  You can choose an approved contractor or they will choose one for you (Northern Windows is one of them, and the one i’m using).  He suggested doing that before making changes to see which would be the most pressing for our case.  In fact, at the end of the assessment, the improvements are ranked for you in terms of best Return on Investment (ROI), which I can’t wait to see.

We DID know our front doors are old and inefficient as at least one is the original 1951 version where you can see around it and almost through it in some places.  So we talked doors.  Steve has tons of options, lots of attractive ones, and we talked looks for a while.  I was nervous because I was estimating quite a large number for them both (like RNYD would never let it happen), but I was pleasantly surprised.  I was able to easily find efficient doors that I liked the look of, for what I consider very reasonable pricing.

There are also a few great perks:

  • They are guaranteed for life.
  • The doors have composite jambs so they won’t rot from weather from the inside out like doors of old.
  • The fiberglass won’t melt in the sun (I swear I had heard that somewhere).
  • The doors don’t get cold or hot to the touch because they are insulated throughout.
  • Steve’s crew takes all the debris and old door away- changes out the frame- and uses aluminum capping on the outside.
  • There are low E options for doors with windows.

I loved how honest Steve was with me about the doors, and also about the look that would compliment my house the best.  In his time on the job he has almost seen it all.  The books have something for everyone’s taste and budget.  The meeting with Steve is very low key, he’s not pushy in any way, and is happy to answer questions before, during and after the meeting so that you feel at ease.  Mostly, he wants you to be happy.  A parent and a homeowner himself, he is concerned with the same issues you are and will happily tell you about his own experiences with efficiency in his own (older- read less efficient) home.

We’ve got our assessment scheduled to take a look at our houses overall efficiency, but have a definite plan in place for the doors within the year.  I’ve picked the ones I like and know the budget now to save for.  I also know who I am using.  In fact, our short list includes a new window or two in the basement, and when I do the doors, i’ll add those on too.

I am really very appreciative for the education I received during our meeting and can’t wait to see more about my home when we do the assessment, especially if it means sending less of my paycheck to O&R each month.  I promise to keep you updated on our progress.  As always, if you give Steve a call, we appreciate letting him know you heard about him here. :O)

 

Family Photos

Posted on by Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, Uncategorized .

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

I’ve long preached the importance of taking photos with your family.  You don’t HAVE to take professional photos, you can use your timer and take your own (I do that too).  I like to have professional pics done because I don’t take photos as well as they do, I don’t know how to edit, and lets face it, it’s also less stressful for me.  I don’t have to worry that I got the perfect shot, or that I can’t get everyone to smile at the same time (especially if I am trying to get into the photo), and then there’s the problem of cutting back the number of photos.  Photographers are hard on their work and aren’t emotionally attached to your child’s face.  They choose the best photos of the set (even outtakes) and present only those to you, making your life easier.  I have enough trouble bringing together outfits for the family that “coordinate” and  don’t “match”.  This stresses me out in a way only a few understand.

Recently I’ve come to realize another layer of these photos which I want to bring light to.  When you have those professional photos taken, or take your own.  Please find a way to include your pets.  I’ve taken snapshots of our family pups here and there for years but it wasn’t until 3 years ago that we thought to bring our pup to our family holiday photo shoot.  The photos were amazing and it quickly became our tradition.

(Photo Credit: Kennedy Grey Photography)

Boy am I glad it did.  This past summer we suffered immense loss when our 12 year old chocolate lab left us, followed almost a month to the day by our 15.5 year old mini-dachshund.  Although we knew it was coming, it was still one of the hardest thing we have ever had to go through as a family.  The kids now old enough to understand were also heart broken.  Its those photos that we look at fondly and remember them while we talk about the silly things that they did.

(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)
(Photo Credit: Marco Farsetta Photography)

Which brings me to my point.  Take photos WITH your pet. Not just of your pet.  I know that when people DO take professional photos, they are reluctant to bring them, because the photos may not come out “perfect”.  It’s just another variable.  Here’s something to help ease your mind.  OUR (RNYM) photographers are all great at capturing your furry loves- so here’s our directory PHOTOGRAPHERS DIRECTORY.  In fact, they also love to be challenged, have a less traditional pet?  They have experience there too, give it a try.

I believe in this so deeply right now that after a month of a pup-less home we decided to foster (quickly followed by adoption) two black lab sisters.  A side note for those who may be interested, we worked with Animal Rescue R Us, out of Northern Jersey.  When we first got them they were 9 weeks old.  With our kids the ages that they are right now (5 and 8) these are likely the pups they will remember.  They get to grow up together.  I vowed to take photos of them as just pups and with us, the kids, the family, and to continue to as they grow.

We weren’t ready to share the news with everyone yet, just sent some pics to a few, one of whom was IC You Photography‘s Isabella.  She is an AVID animal lover and DEMANDED that we bring them in for a shoot, before they were too big.  To commemorate the first milestone, oh and bring the kids too.  So not knowing I went.

I watched in amazement as she was able to get 10 week old pups to sit, sleep, stay, and so much more.  I cried as I knew we were making memories of the pets my family will cherish for the next 10-20 years.  I reveled in the happiness that Isabella showed on her face as she worked with both kids and dogs, snuggling all of them. Listened to her ideas and chuckled thinking it was the cutest thing I had ever seen.

Meet Sasha

Meet Camy

We spoke throughout about how it was very good for the puppies to be handled, and socialized not only to Isabella, but her pups in the other room. Gambet even came in to say hi :o).  We discussed that No she could not have one of our dogs, and the rescue that we worked with to adopt them.  She snapped away and I didn’t even catch everything that she was doing.

Isabella even took the time to take a pic or two of my monkeys alone.  Love this one especially cause Little Miss just learned how to snap, and won’t stop. Check out her fingers <3

I’m so very glad that we did it, and look forward to bringing them to many shoots to come.  It also spurred the new promotion that Isabella is doing where she will offer discounted “Pet Portraits” for those rescuing pups.

It’s important, in my opinion, when you choose a photographer that you try to bring your “whole” family along.  I know that ALL of our directory members are happy to work with family pets.  If you are looking for a way to incorporate them but aren’t looking for a full photo shoot- the Palisades Mall does have pet days with Santa which we did take advantage of a few times and loved.  I am so super thankful for these photos being in my life.  I look forward to documenting their milestones to come together.

 

Fall Wall Clock Update

Posted on by Posted in Crafts, Items, Photo Obsessed, Reviews, Specialty Items, Uncategorized .

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

If you’ve been following RNYM for a while you know all about my wall clock.  I am always looking for fun and interesting ways to display my photos (of which my husband says I have 2 million annually).  That’s how the clock came about.  It wasn’t long before that was simply not enough and I needed to change it seasonally.  I began by painting red frames for Christmas time, then was unsure about what color to do for spring and put it out there for you all to choose.  You went with purple. 

This past fall I decided that just doing another color was too tame.

Instead I went looking for a fall shaped frame.  Easier said than done.  I ended up on ETSY after extensive searching and found a few people who made pumpkin frames.  I messaged each one and finally found someone who could do what I was looking for.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/557182219/pumpkin-halloween-picture-frame-4-inch-x

The frames were complete in no time and I was able to easily use the inserts on the back to cut my 5×7 photos to fit.

Here is my finished product.

The frames are custom to my liking, and can be for yours too.  One of the most attractive parts is they were also cheaper than going to the local craft store and purchasing a regular frame.

*RNYM was not compensated for writing this post we just wanted to share our idea.  Regardless, if you should choose to use our link please make sure to mention that you read about them here.*

This weekend around town… 9/21-9/23

Posted on by Posted in Day Trips, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Some great stuff going on around town!  Check it out!!!

Story Time and Activity- “Princess Penelope Pineapple is back and ready to save the day! When she receives an SOS from Princess Sabrina, Princess Penny learns that the Kingdom’s bees have disappeared and they need to help. Join us for Storytime and get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!”-b&n.com Both Barnes and Nobles locations Nanuet and West Nyack Saturday September 22, 2018 11 AM

Boo at the Zoo– Bronx Zoo Bronx NY Halloween Fun at the Bronx Zoo, hayrides, parades magic shows and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend around town… 9/14-9/20

Raising the Standards- New City School of Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

You have heard me RAVE about (A)’s drum instructor Andrew time and time again. Andrew has blown us away with what he has already been able to impart upon our 8 year old boy.  One of the things that I really LOVE about him as an instructor is that he’s still performing, he’s a professional musician.  This means that there are times that he is away, even when we have lessons.  At first, this sounds intimidating, or may be upsetting to some people to think that “Their teacher” wouldn’t be there, or that a lesson would be cancelled. 

Nope, not at New City School of Music.  I’ve mentioned before how very organized they are and this occurrence is no exception to that practice.  They have thought of everything.  If Andrew is called away to play with his band instead of cancelling and rescheduling another drum instructor fills in.  Now, I know what you are saying- “would you want another teacher?” and absolutely that’s nerve wracking to think about especially when your child has done so well with one.  Andrew let us know about this plan in advance and then explained to us that its actually a wonderful experience to switch things up, and learn from another qualified professional.  That perspective is important and to learn from another’s is actually a BONUS, not a determent.

As I’ve met a good number of the instructors at the Music School, I must say I’ve been impressed with them all, and was totally ready when we had a lesson that Andrew would miss, to meet and experience a lesson with another teacher.

I could tell that (A) was a little nervous.  Michael was very welcoming and made him feel at home immediately.  He sat and got ready to begin and was BLOWN AWAY.  Not only was his lesson great, he was able to learn new things, and jam a little.  In fact, he was going to see Michael the following week he gave (A) homework that included making up his own routine using the elements that they had gone over.  This ownership and excitement of being able to “write” his own music was a great incentive to practice and come in the next week ready to play.

This was a fabulous experience.  So many of the teachers at New City School of Music have SO much to share!  This actually spurred a great conversation between (A), Andrew and I about how great it is to learn things from different people.  Each teacher, coach etc. has a different specialty, and teaches things differently.  The more people you learn from, the better and more well rounded you actually become.  Its a fabulous thing to be able to do at a school.  A real benefit that isn’t available at some places.  Unique to NCSM. <3

The New City School of Music is running a special right now for new students that ENDS 9/20!!!  They also offer trial lessons so you can check it out.

** As always if you give them a call we appreciate you mentioning that you read it here first.**