Free Trial Kids Music Classes in Rockland this Week!

MusicClasses4Kids is offering free hour-long trial classes in Rockland this week before the start of their Winter 2012 classes on January 11th. While I'm not completely certain what the classes entail, the website explains:

"We offer morning, evening and Saturday classes consisting of 6-12 children ages 0-6 years old and their parents/caregivers. Each semester features a new musical theme with CD/Songbook, consists of ten 45 minutes long classes once each week that include songs, chants, small and large movement, dance, instrument play, games and craft activities. In addition to hands-on instrument play your children will be introduced to the instruments of the orchestra, a wide spectrum of musical styles/artists/composers from classical to funk and spend time learning about foreign languages through music of other countries."

We're heading over on the 4th to check out the class in New City and will report back to you. OR, you can join us by heading on over to their website to register for one of the many free trials offered January 4th-10th:

Wednesday - January 4th - 9:30 am

New City, NY 

Germonds Presbyterian Church
39 Germonds Road

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Thursday – January 5th - 9:30 am 

Tallman, NY

Tallman Bible Church
280 Route 59

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Thursday – January 5th - 7:00 pm

Pearl River, NY

Beth Am Temple
60 East Madison Avenue

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Friday – January 6th - 9:30 am

Pearl River, NY

Beth Am Temple
60 East Madison Avenue

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Saturday – January 7th - 9:30 am

New City, NY 

Germonds Presbyterian Church
39 Germonds Road

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Tuesday - January 10th - 12:30 pm

Oakland, NJ 

Messiah Lutheran Church

228 Ramapo Valley Road 


An 11-week class (12 weeks if you count the free class) costs $209.00 plus a $15 non-refundable new family registration free. An additional class for the same child or a class for a sibling costs an extra $150. 

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We love Lawrence Farms!

My pumpkin hanging with some pumpkins
behind the Lawrence Farms store

Ok, ok, I'll stop sleeping and eating for a second to post a promised review! Seriously, I do miss posting here more often and keeping up with all my wonderful blog friends, but I didn't remember how rough the first trimester was. And, it sure does makes a huge difference having an energetic boy to watch over this time around!

That said, amid all my eating and sleeping we did make it out to Lawrence Farms Orchards in Newburgh, NY for some apple and veggie picking at the end of last month. And we had a blast! The place is huge and though there were a lot of other folks there, at times it felt like we were wandering through the farm alone (which was so lovely and peaceful). Even somewhat late in the season, there was a good variety of veggies, pears and apples to choose from. And I really loved that everything was labeled so nicely so that you could pick and choose what to gather. Also, most everything could be picked while standing on the ground, which meant no need to wield huge picking poles while wrangling children!

In the cabbage patch

We didn't think ahead to bring a wagons or apple bags, but both are available for a small rental fee on-site. Also on-site were the most delicious apple cider donuts ever, an adorable farm store, a food stand for lunch and picnic tables (quickly-filled), some horses, two huge friendly dogs, and other animals to admire, a hay maze, and a play area filled with adorable kid-sized playhouses--a horse stable, firehouse, church and more!

We will definitely be returning to Lawrence next year--probably in the summer as well to pick more vegetables. The whole experience was definitely worth the ride upstate--and the naps we all needed to take afterward!

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Simply Awesome Play/Birthday Venue: The Playroom in Nyack, NY

Andrew's favorite: the ball pit! 

My mother, Andrew and I stumbled upon The Playroom Nyack just after its grand opening in July. This place is the Shangri la of indoor play places--much smaller than Wee Play in Nanuet, but a million times cleaner and brighter (and more fun for caregivers too).

Lauren, the owner and a Rockland local, has thought of everything to make The Playroom the best indoor play destination in Rockland. From the cheerful walls which were painted by local college students to resemble Dr. Suess illustrations to the fun Kids Bop playing in the background and the amazing toys (a ball pit, Little Tykes Sizzle N Serve kitchens, a bouncy castle, a huge sandbox, and more.) There is also a great space for parties which start at $250 for 10 kids (contact the playroomnyack@gmail.com for details). With the sandbox and large castle rock wall and slide to the back, I'd say babies through kids age 10-ish will have tons of fun at this venue.

Check out the photo gallery HERE and drool!

What's more, there's a lounge dedicated to caregiver comfort, complete with comfy leather couches, a flat screen TV, and a Keurig coffeemaker. (Drinks and healthy snacks are also available for the kids for a fee.) And while it is such a pleasure watching over your little one in such free caffeinated luxury, at certain times The Playroom will be offering drop-off childcare services and staff members to play with your little ones so you can take it even easier!

Seriously, I am over the moon in love with The Playroom and, more importantly, so is Andrew! Andrew had a ball, and I was just so impressed at how friendly Lauren was and how clean the facility was (the bathroom changing table actually was stocked with liners--a rarity!) Entry is $15 for the day and you can come and go as you please from 10am-6pm daily. You can also buy a monthly pass for $65 until September 1st and special deals come along with that (guest passes, a t-shirt, etc.)

Check the Playroom out online HERE or on Facebook and do contact them directly for more specifics about memberships and parties. Speaking of... I better get a move on and book Andrew's 2nd birthday party there before you all book the place up!!

The Playroom Nyack 

68 Main Street

Nyack N.Y. 10960

Phone: 845.512.8265

theplayroomnyack@gmail.com

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Gorgeous Etsy Jewelery from FYHDesigns - Giveaway to Follow!

The woman behind the beautiful jewelry at FYHDesigns is, among other things, a talented Rockland County area makeup artist and photographer--and she is also my cousin, Josie! And lucky cousin that I am, she has given me a gorgeous bracelet and earring set to review as she is getting her FYHDesigns Etsy Shop off the ground.

Amazing jewlery AND photography, no?

Even if we weren't relatives, I'd be telling you about FYHDesigns. I think that Josie has a fabulous eye for designing jewelry that is both unique and beautiful. She is also a quality jewelery-crafter, whether using non-precious or precious materials. My bracelet and earrings would be considered "costume jewelry" because they are made of metal and non-precious beads, but they look and feel like I spent a lot of money of them. I really just adore them--especially the special red flowery bead. My husband even walked into the house, saw them, and said "Wow! These are really nice!" (This is major coming from my straight-laced, diamond-stud-loving man.)

Me-wow!

Oh, and did I mention that the bracelet costs only $12 and the earrings are only $13? That's a bargain for Etsy! Also, I just have to mention these adorable, assymetrical, $10 cat-lover earrings--the perfect gift for any trendy cat lady: 

So, pop on over to FYHDesigns on Etsy and drool over the jewelry there. Then stay tuned to Rockland Mother for an announcement of new jewelry added to the shop--and how you'll be able to win one of them through a Rockland Mother Giveaway! 

Disclaimer: As mentioned, the owner of FYHDesigns is my cousin and I was given the necklace and earring set above for free for review. I was not in any way induced to write a positive review of FYHDesigns, regardless of our relation. I honestly do love the jewelry!

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