Uncategorized – Page 8 – Rockland NY Mom

This weekend AND Schools Out- 9/10-9/11 Things to do with the kids!

Posted on September 7, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

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

Saturday 9/8/18

FREE MEET and GREET* with Manda’s Enchanted Events at Sparkle Up in New City 12-2 pm

*hair, nails etc with Sparkle Up staff not included.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9^TH

DANCE CENTRAL PERFORMING ARTS

GRAND RE-OPENING IN NEW LOCATION

25 SOUTH WILLIAM STREET

PEARL RIVER, NY 10965

FREE CLASSES

PRE-KINDERDANCE AGES 3&4 10AM

ACRO/TUMBLING AGES 5-7 10AM

BALLET AGES 8-12 10AM

KINDERDANCE AGES 5-7 10:30AM

ACRO/TUMBLING AGES 2.5 -4 10:30AM

JAZZ AGES 8-12 10:30AM

HIP HOP AGES 4-6 11AM

HIP HOP AGES 7-10 11AM

HIP HOP AGES 11-15 11:30AM

ACRO/TUMBLING AGES 8-12 11:30AM

RIBBON CUTTING & PLAQUE UNVEILING 12PM

COMPANY PERFORMANCE 12:30PM

FACE PAINTING & BALLOON ART 12:30-2:30PM

ICE CREAM TRUCK – 1:30PM

_____________________________________________________________________________________

In just a few weeks, School’s In. . . and then School’s Out Again for two days in early September.

Give your K-5th grader a Break from the Ordinary this September when they join us @ our School Break camps on Sept. 10 & 19. They’ll discover awesome, hands-on STEM-based projects… with plenty of creative camp activities, outdoor fun & extended hours, too!

Discover More & Register:
www.littleivyacademy.com/breakcamp.html

As always, please contact me with any questions you might have at 201-444-8400 or by e-mail at info@littleivyacademy.com.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OPEN 9/10-9/11 for PLAYDATES

Back to School Shopping at Macy’s Backstage!

Posted on August 31, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Items, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

Like many other locals I was wondering what the new Macy’s Backstage was. We’ve all shopped Macy’s for years as its been an anchor store in the Nanuet mall FOREVER, and also at the Palisades mall since it was built. The great options, service, and availability of products at Macy’s is well known, but what is this new store within a store?

“The thrill of the hunt takes center stage as you discover your favorite fashion & home brands at show-stopping prices!”

Its the same great Macy’s that we all know in love, but with higher discounts on the same famous maker brands you’ve become accustomed to from Macy’s, as well as some new ones. Knowing that it was a discount retail space, we were excited to hunt for some awesome finds.

The shoe section is right near the entrance so naturally little miss (E) had to hit that spot. They had a nice selection in her size, so she tried a few, settling on two pairs.

The kids section at the Palisades Macys Backstage is over by a little toy section as well, that’s where we found (E)’s favorite item. Little (E) needed earphones for school and they had these adorable little my little pony ones that she snatched right up.

Then we went through the racks to see what they had for back to school clothing. This can always be an interesting afternoon with (E) who has her own sense of style. At 8 (A) is also developing more of his own style, it was nice to watch him choose some staple pieces.

We found some cute stuff and headed into the dressing rooms. The kids had fun trying on their items, and then they saw the signs on the wall. They loved them! We had to run from room to room to see what they said!!

At checkout we were given a scratch off coupon and saved $5! We got 2 pairs of shoes, headphones, and 5 shirts for less than $90!!! What a bargain!!

Macy’s Backstage also has backpacks, home items, adult clothing, accessories, all the great items that the regular Macy’s carries, but at super low prices. We are also lucky enough to have two locally to check out (Nanuet and Palisades- we went to Palisades).

GIVEAWAY

** As a special introduction to our readers Macy’s Backstage Palisades is giving away a $100 gift card to one lucky winner. To enter- comment on this page or our social media post before Saturday 9/1 at 8 pm and tell us what you would use the card on (we’d also love a share and a like). Winner will be chosen at random via 3rd party website. **

The Land of Make Believe- Hope NJ

Posted on August 30, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

Since the kids were at camp all summer, I am working my hardest to have some quick and enduring fun with them. Some time to really enjoy ourselves. A friend suggested The Land of Make Believe for the day. So we made plans to go with a few friends and headed down.

Takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there, but its a relatively straight shot. I didn’t know what to expect but we knew that there were water attractions as well as regular rides etc. Knowing that I live with some little fish (thanks Condors Swimming) we dressed for water and brought dry clothes.

**RNYM Tips**

They only take cash so go to the ATM in advance.
Pack a lunch and snacks to save some cash and eat healthily.
If you aren’t a lunch packer, food is relatively inexpensive for such places.
The Kids Stuff Coupon Books have a coupon for buy one adult get one free, so if you bring 2 adults, or go with a friend your admission is cut in half.
The large locker held my good size soft cooler, my family bag as well as my friends bag.

The water slides are fun and if you get there early I would hit them first as the lines can get lengthy. The lazy river is AWESOME (always a fan) and the kids adored the splash pool (seriously would have stayed there all day). The water jungle gym over by the lazy river also super fun, the kids and adults learn quickly that the ringing of the bell means the HUGE bucket is about to SPILL!! I forgot my darn water proof case for my phone so I have no photos of this area- but luckily Jen did :o).

We were there from 11 to about 2 when we broke for lunch, went back and were waterlogged by about 4. At this time we changed and decided to head over to rides. I wish we had gotten there a little earlier because we didn’t get to all the rides we wanted to before the park started to close. They close at 6 sharp, which means that around 5:45 they stop giving rides. Even though we didn’t get a chance to go on all of them, the ones we did they loved. The roller coaster, the dragon ride, the cars.. so so many they adored.

This is a GREAT- AFFORDABLE day trip for families. It gets somewhat crowded mid-day but early and later on it was super manageable. https://lomb.com/

WARNING– like all fun day trips you exit through the store, its just a good business plan for them. My kids are getting really good at knowing that we don’t buy stuff at each place, but I have a secret. I’ve been purchasing Christmas Ornaments at each of our excursions this summer to give to them this winter. I want to decorate our tree with our memories. Its going to be super cool and an awesome surprise.

Summary: Had a blast, good for most ages- the water area is better for the older kids than the rides area as (A) was starting to get tall for some of the rides at this point. Plan to spend the day, try to get there when it opens and head out when they cut off rides. Oh and bring lots of sunscreen, there isn’t much shade. Have an awesome time and as always, we appreciate if you let them know you heard about them here <3

A Family Affaire at ANY Age

Posted on August 18, 2018 by Sofija Duic Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to the Renaissance Faire. All opinions expressed are our own.

By: Sofija

When I found out about our family spending the day at the Renaissance Fair with our close family friends the RocklandNYMom bunch, I was super excited. The morning of, I wake up the twins (who are about to start high school in the fall) to the rumbles of “do we really have to go?” As well as the ever popular “that’s for babies mom”. I was super sad, and started to think maybe this wasn’t for us, maybe we shouldn’t go. But my husband said no, we are going, and let me tell you we are so happy we did.

Today’s teen is all about their cell phones, texting their friends and social media. So when we first get to the fair, the first thing the twins do is get on their phones. Well this was the last time they were out until we got in the car to go home. Our first introduction to all the fun was the arrival of the Queen, followed by our very first Jousting Match where the Green Knight won over our pick the Blue Knight.

We walked thru the streets and enjoyed all the talented vendors. The girls spotted some horns and after picking our favorite colors of Pink and Purple secured them upon their heads. Continuing on the path and seeing all the swords, and coin making, flowered and feathered crowns, ceramic dolls, furry little creatures and so much more. We were excited to stumble upon some beautiful parasols, it was hot so we decided to try them out (ending with the purchase of 2) and then stopping at Cucina Aurora Inc. and trying all the different olive oils infused with delicious flavors. This momma had to buy 2 oils for cooking and I can not wait to try some of Cucina Aurora’s recipes (she has a youtube channel as well as instagram).

After some shopping was done, we played some games, as well as tried our hand in archery. We continued to walk around and listened to stories that were read by the Queens Court. We ran into some of Robin Hood’s Merry Men and were asked about our jeweled teeth (braces). We were reminded that a smile is a gift that keeps giving and that we should never stop smiling. The girls even had to make pinky promises not to forget. The laughter and smiles that occurred were contagious.

Honestly this was an adventure like no other, and we were so happy we got to share in the magic with RocklandNYMom.com. This is a place that is fun for all ages, and dressing up is encouraged.

The New York Renaissance Faire-Review

Posted on August 10, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to the Faire. All opinions expressed are our own.

August 4-5 was the official opening weekend for The New York Renaissance Faire. An event that has been held in the Hudson Valley for years. The RNYM Family attended in 2014 (the kids were 1 and 4) and it was fun but their current ages (5 and 8) made it THAT MUCH MORE FUN. Faire warning (ha ha ha) this post is long- we loved it and there’s so much to share. In fact, Sofija went with us and her teen daughters, and that’s a SEPERATE post we had so much to say. So ANYWAY, enjoy our experience.

I was really a bit nervous that the kids wouldn’t be into it. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! They were excited to go, excited to dress the part, and even more so to explore as much of the event as their little feet could find. We spent a solid 6 hours there and MIGHT have been able to stay for more if we didn’t have to get home.

There is so much to do there: shopping, eating, watching the different displays and events, games, Olde time photos, and also some rides ( geared toward the littler people). In addition to the entrance fee the games and rides cost money, so we gave each kiddo a set amount to spend during the day. This helped to keep costs down. Nana and I treated the kids to Olde Time Photos, Camel Rides, and Ice Cream (of course).

The shops are full of artisans, the streets full of revilers and the atmosphere one of pure celebration. BUT, my focus has to be more on the PEOPLE. The people at the Faire made it the most amazing day. Shop keepers encourage the kids to touch and play, and were so complimentary of the children. Cast (for lack of a better word) were completely engaging and fun for both children and adults. Passerby were all happy and having fun.

Highlights according to the kids:

Getting to practice Archery.

Being sent on a special mission by the face painter to find the Queen and deliver a message.

Which resulted in a private audience with Her Majesty.

Which resulted in being invited back at 3 and 15 to be KNIGHTED.

Winning at the Ducky Game.

Meeting Gypsies and being given a magic marble.

Riding a CAMEL

The flag maze.

Checking out the dungeon.

Trying on Leather Armor.

Apprehending a thief.

Experiencing poetry and literature with royalty ((E) was quite smitten with the Sweedish Princess <3

Highlights for Mom:

Healthy food can be found and is good. Nana and I enjoyed a veggie quesadilla that was yum.

Adorable little FREE photo area with several thrones to use ;O)

Water can be found throughout.

There are shady places to sit and take a load off, have water, reapply sunscreen and rest (well I rested anyway).

Olde Time Photos (come on you love them too)

Cooling Station is available.

THE KIDS SMILED ALL DAY and frankly- SO DID I.

(A) and (E) are already planning their trip next year- already know how much money they need to save for the souvenirs that they would like to purchase, and know which area we didn’t get to that they would like to check out again. They are even planning what they will wear. OH YEAH- dress up, it adds to the fun- but dress for heat too, it gets hot walking around and you are going to want comfortable sneakers. <3

OFFICIAL FAIRE INFORMATION

WEEKENDS INCLUDING LABOR DAY
August 4th through September 30th 2018
Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day Monday
10:00 am to 7:00 pm – Open Rain or Shine

600 Route 17A – Sterling Forest – Tuxedo, NY 10987
40 Minutes from Manhattan; in the heart of the Hudson Valley
11 miles south of The Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Discount Tickets available online: WWW.RENFAIR.COM/NY/Tickets
• Group Rates available for 15 or more by calling 845-351-5171 x2154

General Parking Free! – Preferred Parking $10.00 per vehicle
Transportation: GET ON THE BUS! Ride like a KING or QUEEN! On event days,
DIRECT round-trip bus transportation is available from Port Authority in
NYC directly to the Faire! Visit: www.shortlinebus.com
600 Rt. 17 A ⧫ Tuxedo, NY 10987 ⧫ (845) 351-5171 ⧫ (845) 351-2073 FAX ⧫
www.renfair.com/ny

Fly Away…

Posted on July 10, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

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

(A) continues to love his drum lessons at The New City School of Music. I recently told you all about his fabulous experience in earning his first TROPHY at his 6 month test. Shortly there after came his June Performance. Just as in the past he and Andrew worked to pick the right song to work on. (A) made a list of 5-6 songs that he was interested in with RNYD, and then brought them in. He and Andrew went over them and made his choice.

(A) really knocked his last performance out of the park. He was a really new music student at that time, only 3 months in. He played “We Will Rock You” and had a little trouble playing along with the music but kept great time. We chalked that up to nerves, and he really really did well for such an inexperienced kid. We were so much more than pleased, it was fabulous.

Andrew and (A) worked tirelessly to come up with “fills” to change things up throughout the new song, a new challenge since his previous number was a constant rhythm. He also worked on playing along in time with the song, if he ever fell off track, finding his way back on his own. This was a BIG step for him as a player.

Going into the performance, he knew he was ready. Andrew helped him to feel super confident and we couldn’t wait to see his progress. Well, we were impressed the first time this time we were blown away. You would NEVER have thought he was a 7 year old child who had only been playing for 7 months. He was professional and got through the whole song with no bumps.

He looked calm and the most fabulous thing happened. Andrew who we know loves what he does, and does it so well, who is so positive with (A), did the most amazing thing. He rocked during (A)’s performance. We happened to catch it on video and on film (to see the film check out our YouTube Channel), but he was really enjoying it, and having fun. We thought we were proud, but man could you see the pride on his face.

Andrew is a shining example of all that is wonderful about The New City School of Music. They are true professionals. Their concerts are well organized, and pleasurable. All the teachers are lovely and stop to smile. The office staff accommodating and personable. They welcome their students, have a lovely waiting room where siblings can color or watch a show while we wait. They are so organized its unbelievable (like how they gave us a binder that had their whole year of classes laid out when we first registered). I deal with a LOT of businesses and they blow me away constantly.

In fact, in June I received a communication that I was super surprised to receive. The school recognizes that people go on vacation and are very busy over the summer, at the same time, they know that continuing with your studies is EXTREMELY important. They sent out a schedule for makeups to be sure that all students could find a way to keep their lessons up during this crazy time. It was because of this newsletter that I realized we couldn’t keep our regular lesson time because the kids don’t get off the bus from camp in time, so we were able to shift it to make it work. I am very thankful that we did, it works out perfectly, and will also be great this fall.

The New City School of Music’s current promotion is sign up for summer music lessons and get your $55 Registration fee for FREE. Which Expires 8/1/2018 As always if you give a call we appreciate if you let them know you heard about it here!!!

Check out our YouTube Channel and see the progress (A) has made from December to June just by watching his performances!! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3YqYL1SNZY88Koz5QlI_Ow

The Other Star of our Parties

Posted on July 10, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Uncategorized .

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

I think I make it pretty obvious that I am a HUGE fan of Luigi O’Grady’s. Working in Pearl River, I am there ALL THE TIME. Michelle makes this one salad with craisons, and apples that is just one of my favorite lunches. I have used them exclusively to cater my parties at my house for years. This year alone they have provided countless family meals, food for my husbands friends to come over when I wasn’t around, (A)’s Communion and most recently my daughters 5th birthday this past weekend.

Above: The family dinner menu- which is available M-F and often benefits a local charity (call Michelle if you have one to raise funds for).

Although I generally throw very large parties, we decided to keep this one really small, immediate family, and a few kids that she requested. Determined to simplify I knew we needed chicken fingers as they are (E)’s favorite but wasn’t sure what else to get. The good news is, Michelle and I already have this thing going (she deals with my particular brand of craazy well) I write her an email and tell her the date, number of people and one thing that I know we want and she develops the menu. I love that she makes suggestions on sizes and what to get. So this time the email was something like this.

Hi Michelle-

(E)’s birthday is this July, keeping it small and she loves chicken fingers so we need that. Not sure what else low key to order, there will be grandparents, aunts and uncles attending.

Thanks!

Her response:

The pulled pork went over well at the Communion, how about that and cole slaw, mac and cheese, wraps, and a large salad (she meant my favorite one of course).

Me:

Perfect- let’s add a fruit platter for desert.

Sent the date and time for delivery and done. One less thing to worry about. The food showed up Saturday, delivered by a super polite young man, warm and ready to go. ALSO, I always get compliments on the food, but people have been RAVING about it as of late. Everyone LOVED (A)’s Communion menu as well as this one from (E)’s party. Left to my own devices I would be ordering the same three things that I know most people eat, but Michelle, she KNOWS WHAT MOST PEOPLE LOVE. She makes amazing suggestions on variety and sizes, and is ALWAYS spot on.

Above: The hot food portion of our pARTy, I wish I had thought to take more photos of the food, but I was entertaining the kiddies. :o)

Thank you Michelle and Crew for another successful and delicious party, where I don’t have to worry about any of the details. It is ALWA-YS a care free pleasure to work with you.

To contact Luigi O’Grady’s for catering, desserts, or just some lunch you can check out their website: https://www.luigiogradys.com/ Call: 845-735-9110 or email Michelle at: info@luigiogradys.com . They are located at 106 North Middletown Road Pearl River, NY. As always, if you call we appreciate if you mention you heard about them here. :o)

Took my own Advice

Posted on June 27, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Photo Obsessed, Photography, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

BEFORE VIEWING- AFTER SESSION

Jennifer is a fabulous photographer. We all know that. She has photographed my children numerous times over the years and they are all darling. Most recently she did a “Be You” session with my kids and it was just so much more than I could have ever imagined. Quickly approaching was (A)’s First Holy Communion, and we knew that we would want professional photos done. At 8, (A) is now formulating his own opinions about things so we let him choose who would photograph him. He picked Jennifer.

It seems that everything that could get in the way of these photos did. The weather has been less than cooperative as of late, so even though he made his communion on 5/12 he had his photos done 5/24. Jennifer wanted to wait for good weather (us too because we wanted outdoors) so we did. I AM SO GLAD WE DID. I was feeling less than myself at work, so in between meetings I ran down to CITIMD to find that I have Strep. I did NOT want to miss our photos. So I went home after work and took my first antibiotic, a quick nap, and got up to get (A) ready. I didn’t want to miss the amazing weather.

Jennifer picked the perfect spot. We met just before sunset and the session started. I’m blown away and I haven’t even seen them yet. She quickly showed me a few screen shots on the camera as I stood there, and then one was on her Instagram timeline later that night. To say I am waiting patiently would be a lie. I am DYING.

My first teaser from Jennifer-

They looked so amazing and I know that they are going to be even more than I expected. I am already planning on arming myself with some tissues for the viewing.

Something I have to prepare for- I took my own advice. (A) had a specific idea in mind for a photo or two that he asked for on the little dock. He went but was nervous at the end of it and wanted me to go with him “to make sure it was safe”. I want to re-explain- I have STREP, I was dressed like a bum, my hair in a ponytail. I went with him to check it out and we had a moment. Next thing I know, Jennifer is snapping away. I tried to ask her to stop (nicely and please know that she wasn’t pushy at all, if you know her you know that she isn’t like that). But she told me it was fine, that I was going to want it. So you know what? I let her, I took the photo, sick as a dog, in a tie dye t-shirt, running shorts and crocs.

FAST FORWARD TO VIEWING

HOLY CRAP! Jennifer showed me the video and I balled. My little man looked so handsome, so grown up. I’ve cried at the beauty of photos before, but these, were perfection. Exactly what we were looking for. Less formal than many, so much of his personality came through. A great variety to choose from.

Formal: The photos that commemorate the milestone that his communion represents.

Informal: Those that show more of who he is, silly faces, showing off his belt and tie that he picked out himself.

His Ideas: When we got there he told Jennifer that he had some special ideas of his own for photos. Even posed himself.

Which leads me to the final photos- which are hard to share, cause I wasn’t ready. Not camera ready, not in the least. I was completely out of my comfort zone, completely sick, but my little man asked me to. Able to allow it because I trust Jennifer to make sure she gets whats really important, our relationship, which actually has nothing to do with how I look. Maybe like me you can look past my crocs (OMG was I really wearing those?), and my mom bun, or the tie dye shirt my brother bought me with my maiden name on it. Instead see what I now see. A mom and her little man, a moment caught in time, and at peace together. A testament to what we do as parents for our kids, sick, messy or otherwise.

The truth is, he won’t remember made up Momma, cause that’s not what I look like all the time. This, is more like the real laundry doing, computer typing, dinner making, child loving mommy. These made me cringe when I first saw them, but now they make me so proud. The more I look at them, the more I love them. Thank you Jennifer, you were so so right.

These photos are one reason that we stand behind the photographers on our site. I’ve worked with them all, and trust them. They have been working with us for YEARS. We don’t recommend anyone that we haven’t worked with <3

To see Jennifer’s latest offerings check our her website http://www.jenniferteskerphotography.com/ and don’t forget to tell her we sent you.

Day Camp in the Park Celebrates 40th Summer

Posted on June 26, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

As my kids climbed on the bus this morning all I could think of was the great fun that they would be having the next 8 weeks. They have done nothing but talk about camp all year (seriously, RNYD outlawed the name a la Voldermort at the dinner table). Here we are at day 1. Then I started thinking about all the other children who would be beginning one of the best summers of their lives. Then I thought about how fortunate we have all been that Day Camp in the Park is celebrating their 40TH summer this year. How many lucky people can recall the amazing times that they have had at DCITP.

Day Camp in the Park can boast that it has been part of the Palisades Camp Association, longer than any camp in the history of Harriman. They have been serving children of my students from the Clarkstown School District, in which Ken the director of camp, is a member of the Clarkstown School District Educational Hall of Fame. In addition, DCITP has received numerous awards from the National American Camp Association, including a lifetime achievement award for serving families throughout the world, writing the only master’s program for camp administration, and has written a book entitled, There is No Place Like Camp, guiding parents as to how to pick a worthy camp for their children.

As per usual, I followed the bus up and took first day of camp photos of all the campers for the 2018 season. Take a look at the lucky campers who will be experiencing all that DCITP has to offer this year on our facebook page- or on the DCITP Website <3

If you are interested in checking out DCITP please visit their website : http://daycampinthepark.com/ their facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/Day-Camp-In-The-Park- email:dcitp1979@gmail.com or call: 845-638-2515

Camp Spotlight: Camp Can-I-Cook at Young Chef’s Academy

Posted on May 18, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Where else can your child leave the house for a few hours and come home with gained culinary skills, new friendships, original YCA recipes, and memories to utilize and last a lifetime? You got it, only at Young Chefs® Academy! Camp Can-I-Cook is scheduled according to local school schedules and are available during holiday breaks, scheduled school closings, and of course summer break!

Each week has a special and specific theme to enjoy!!!

To register and for pricing please visit the website

http://newcityny. youngchefs academy.com/camps