Enjoy A Relaxing Stay At The Gorgeous Emerson Resort and Spa

There's nothing that I enjoy more than going on trips with my family.  Whether we go on a quick weekend trip or spend an extended period of time visiting a destination, I can guarantee we'll always have a good time.  It's exciting to me to find new places to fall in love with while making memories with my family.  There's so much of the world I'd like to see, I hope I can travel for many decades to come.

The Emerson Resort and Spa is a hidden treasure located just two hours from NYC in the Catskill mountains.  The 20 acre establishment reopened in 2016 as a full-service 6,193 square-feet destination luxury spa.  The opening of the spa also marked the unveiling of the Emerson's new spa menu, featuring a variety of signature lines, treatments, and experiences.  There are 53 total rooms including 26 suites/rooms in the contemporary Inn and 27 suites/rooms in the Adirondack-style Lodge.

If you're looking for rest and relaxation, you've certainly come to the right place.  The beautiful grounds offer stunning views of Esopus Creek and Mt. Tremper that will make for wonderful photos. People use the resort for special events like weddings and ceremonies due to the idyllic location.  The resort offers on-site activities for the whole family including a pool, a children's playground, Emerson Park (which has volleyball, corn hole, horseshoe, and frisbee), complimentary bike rentals, Bean Bag Movie Theater, the Family room which offers games, and much more! You can choose to reserve special packages for your stay which include a variety of options.  The Emerson Resort is open to the public for the amenities, not just hotel guests.

Bring your pet along as pets are welcome at Emerson Resort and Spa.  There's a special dog park for your furry friend, and you can even have a fun Emerson upgrade gift for your pet waiting in your room.

If you'd like to make the ultimate day for yourself, why not have breakfast at Woodnotes Grille and then spend the morning having a facial or massage at the spa?  If the pool is open during your stay, go for a quick swim and then check out the walking trails of the grounds.  You can cap off the day by visiting the World's Largest Kaleidoscope and buying something interesting at the Emerson Country Store.  There's plenty to do on-site, but if you did want to leave the resort you can find activities in neighboring towns like Phonecia and Woodstock.

There are two restaurants in Emerson Resort and Spa, Woodnotes Grille and Ralph's Cafe, both are open 7 days a week.  Woodnotes Grille is the property's signature restaurant, which serves handcrafted cocktails and Catskill-themed menu items with ingredients sourced from the local Hudson Valley area.  The menu changes seasonally and focuses on the bounty of the region.  This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on a daily basis.  

Ralph's Cafe at the Country Store services freshly prepared soups, salads and sandwiches if you're looking for a quick bite to eat.  Don't forget a sweet treat like cookies or ice cream.

Even though I've lived in the tri-state area for 12 years now, somehow I've only been to the Catskills once previously!  I welcomed this opportunity to visit Emerson Resort and Spa and have a wonderful trip.

From the moment my family and I pulled up to the Emerson, I was in awe of how beautiful it was.  I didn't know where to look first from the gorgeous grounds featuring brightly colored flowers, to the water fountain in the mini fish pond and the pretty establishment itself! Once you walk inside the lobby, you instantly feel warmly welcomed.  The lobby has ample seating for relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the nice view outside.

We arrived before our room was ready, so we had some time to check everything out before heading to the room.  The inside decor is stunning and matches the theme of the establishment itself-relaxation. You can't help but fall in love with the huge windows with picturesque views and unusual artwork.

All of the shops and eateries connect with the main lobby of the Inn section of the hotel.  If you're staying in the Inn section of the Emerson, you're in luck because you're centrally located to everything.  If by chance you're staying in the lodge, you're just a 5 minute walk over.  There are different shops for what you may be looking for, including a toy store, housewares, and clothing stores.  Scarlett was very enthusiastic about the toy store and didn't want to leave! We then checked out the World's Largest Kaleidoscope which is a 10 minute show that you can view in a special converted silo.  It was beautiful and surely not to be missed.  The other amenities of the main building feature a library, great room, the spa, and a fitness room.

Since we brought our dog Lynnie, she loved the chance to be off leash in the dog park and go for a stroll on the trails.  Scarlett was ecstatic with the children's playground to get some energy out.  I loved the area by the Esopus Creek where chairs are set up for relaxing by the creek and mountain view!

Honestly, wherever you looked you saw something to capture your interest.  I was thrilled that there's truly something for everyone, which is what Emerson Resort strives to provide.

Once our room was ready, we went there to unwind.  The size of the suite was very large and I could have easily moved right in permanently.  Is that an option? From the plush queen size beds and the large screen TV to the massive bathroom, there's not much more anyone could want! The shower provided a rainfall shower head with body jets and a gigantic soaking tub.  I was in heaven!

Lynnie enjoyed hanging out on the private patio where she could watch people walk by.  She spent most of her time there.

For dinner, we dined at Woodnotes where my husband Jay had coffee rubbed ribs and Scarlett and I shared a rigatoni and peas pasta dish.  For an appetizer, we all shared calamari.  Everything was delicious and very fresh.  We chose to eat outside and very much enjoyed the scenic mountain view.  The server was very accommodating and friendly.

In the morning, we had breakfast again at Woodnotes and I had the best chocolate chip pancakes of my life.  I thought I had good pancakes previously, but I was mistaken.  These pancakes were so thick and fluffy and beyond my expectations.  They were almost the size of a frisbee! Once you took your first bite you were hit with warm and melty chocolate goodness combined with pure maple syrup.  It was perfection at its finest.

I asked the server how these were made and reiterated to her how incredible they were.  I made sure that she told the chef that they were outstanding.  Scarlett had a fruit bowl, 1 child's pancake and turkey sausage.  She's not usually a pancake lover, but of course loved these soft pillows of heaven.  Jay had the Woodnotes skillet and raved over that as well.

We all enjoyed breakfast thoroughly and left with happy stomachs! Jay enjoyed using the sauna before we checked out and always loves to partake in sauna use anytime we go on a trip.

I am truly in love with the Emerson Resort and Spa and really hope to come back one day.  I'm sure in the fall it's breathtaking when all the leaves on the trees change colors.  If you're looking to book a wonderful trip to the Catskills in the coming months, please check out their Fall packages. Your family will have a trip that they'll never forget.  The Emerson Resort and Spa is a fabulous place to reconnect with family and nature in a memorable way.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to the Emerson Resort and Spa for providing accommodations and breakfast.  All thoughts are strictly my own.

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Wicked Uncle Offers Fantastic Toys for Every Age

Now that Scarlett is 3.5, her fun personality really shines through.  She enjoys so many things from singing and dancing to drawing and being silly.  Everyday is always an adventure with her! It's exciting to see how she grows and changes all the time and develops new interests.  Long gone are the days of baby toys and rattles, we've moved onto magnatiles, play-doh, and baby dolls.  Toys are a big deal in our house and Scarlett seems to always want to add new ones to her toybox!

Wicked Uncle offers wonderful toys for boys and girls of all ages.  Whether your 3 year old daughter wants magnetic wooden dress up princesses, or your 9 year old son wants a solar robot kit, they have it all! From preschool toys all the way up to complex building kits, you'll be able to browse a multitude of toys.  The categories are based on a child's preferences like snuggly, outdoorsy, adventurous, and more.

The toys are unique and not what you'd find in a typical store.  Parents also will enjoy that some of the items are educational.  I'm sure you'd be able to instantly find a few things to give a lucky boy or girl for Christmas or their birthday.  Keep the company in mind for all of your future gift-giving needs for children.

I chose the Magnetic Wooden Dress Up Dolls and the Wow and Wonder Science Set for my tiny tot.  Scarlett loves the idea of dress up for herself and her dolls, so I knew she'd jump at the opportunity to put clothes and accessories on magnetic dolls.  The science set disguises teaching with fun, it's always important for children to be exposed to a new subject.

The science kit is an interactive 24 piece set that is meant for ages 3 and up.  There are included cards that show and explain what experiments your child can do with easy to understand steps.  I think the set would be perfect for indoor fun when Fall rolls around and it starts to get chilly outside.  Your little one will love the rose colored glasses which allow them to see the world in various colors, as well as the bubble experiment. 

Scarlett immediately wanted to put on the rose colored glasses and said "I see yellow!" I wonder what life would be like if everything was truly only yellow? The included large magnet is a unique way for your child to see what is magnetic or not.  I let Scarlett put a coin on the magnet, a a plastic pig, another magnet, and a piece of paper to see what would stick and what wouldn't.  I used that as an opportunity to teach her about how magnets work.

I like that the kit is truly meant for young children and won't go over their heads.  Some kits that are meant for certain age ranges seem more advanced than they should be.  This is a simple, easy, and fun way for children to be introduced to science on their level.

The magnetic wooden dolls set for ages 3+ comes with two quality made wooded figures with stands.  Each side of the two figures has a different design for your child to dress.  Let your daughter develop her fashionista skills as she dresses up the models with the collection of magnetic clothes and accessories.  Everything stays contained in a handy travel set with handle that allows you to keep all 60 pieces together.

Scarlett's had magnetic dolls before but not as high quality as this set.  I love how well made the wooden dolls are and how securely they stand.  They don't easily fall over when you're dressing them due to their weight.  The set has many different bows, dresses, shirts, and pants.  Scarlett loved all the included hair bows because she always wears a bow in her hair.  She enjoyed the fact that her wooden doll could too.  All of the clothing and accessories are brightly colored and really attract young children.

As soon as I put this toy out for her to play with, Scarlett put her fashionista hat right on.  She excitedly told me that one doll had to wear a pink dress with a flower in her hair because it's cute! The large pieces were easy for her small hands to hold with no issue.  It was fun to hear the reasonings behind the choices she made for the doll's outfits.  I even had fun playing with the set with her and dressing the dolls up! Mother-daughter bonding time is always on my agenda.

Since the set comes in a portable bag, your child can easily take it with them on road trips or on the plane.  The bag also keeps everything contained so no pieces will be lost.  We have a few trips coming up for the remainder of this year, and I'm always looking for new and entertaining things to take with us in the car and on the plane for her.  These dolls definitely fit the bill! The travel bag can easily be put inside a suitcase or tote bag to play with when you reach your destination.

We're very happy with both selections from Wicked Uncle and will surely be buying more from them in the future, especially with Scarlett's birthday coming up.  If you're looking for toys, Wicked Uncle is the perfect place to shop for all children!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Wicked Uncle for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Feel Well Rested Thanks To Relaxium Sleep

As a stay-at-home-mom, I am primarily responsible for not only cooking and cleaning, but childcare too.  I take my job seriously and want to do the best time I can in managing my home.  It seems like my house tasks are never ending, and on top of that I have to make sure that Scarlett is entertained and happy.  Sometimes it can be overwhelming if I don't complete my list of tasks on a daily basis.  I always have something on my mind and some nights it can be nearly impossible to shut my mind off and get a good night's rest.

Relaxium Sleep is a unique blend of safe, clinically-tested ingredients that helps you sleep better naturally without the risk of dependency.  If you're someone who constantly wakes up in the morning tired from not being able to sleep well, this product is definitely something you should consider.  No matter if you have a high level job or you're a college student, everyone needs to be ready and refreshed for a new day.

Your sleep cycle can be regulated using only the highest quality and proper levels of melatonin.  Once you take Relaxium, your body and muscles will naturally relax with magnesium, allowing you to feel comfortable.  Lastly, let your mind be calm and worry-free thanks to clinically proven Sensoril,Valerest, and Passion Flower.  It's time to reclaim your sleep and have a restful night's sleep from here on out.

I was intrigued to try Relaxium Sleep because I very rarely sleep through the night without waking up once or twice.  My mind is constantly turning and going and it's very hard to turn it off.  If I'm not thinking about a phone call I have to return or a bill that has to be paid, I'm thinking about something I have to take care of for Scarlett.  It's safe to say I'm more stressed than others at times, but I honestly always have something to worry or think about.  I'd love to be able to just lay down and let my body get the healing and regenerative sleep it so craves.  A big plus of this product is that it is not habit forming.  You don't have to worry about becoming dependent on it.

The bottle comes with 60 capsules and you're directed to take 2 capsules 30-60 minutes before bed.  I noticed the instructions said if you have taken 2 capsules and are still awake, you can take an additional 2 to help you get back to sleep.  Since it's drug-free, the second dose can be taken up to 3 hours prior to waking.

Some will notice that the pills are on the larger side.  If you have an issue with taking a larger pill, you may have to prepare yourself for that.  I didn't have an issue taking the pills at all before bed and I didn't notice any strange after taste at all.  As I drifted off to sleep, I felt more relaxed and at ease.  I wanted all my worries and thoughts to wash away so I can just focus on my rest.

I'm happy to report that I slept through the night without waking for the first time in many weeks.  I woke up ready to take on the day and felt wonderful.  I did not feel any side effects or any adverse reactions from taking the capsules.  Usually when I wake up, I feel tired from broken and restless sleep.  This was certainly not the case with Relaxium Sleep.  I couldn't have been happier.

The bottle of Relaxium Sleep will be staying in my bathroom cabinet to use on a regular basis.  Why not make your mind and body happy and regain your sleep for the better?

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Relaxium Sleep for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

Cool Off From The Summer Sun With Yogurt Popsicles

As a parent, I love to share new experiences with Scarlett.  There's nothing like spending quality time together while doing something fun.

While I was browsing Amazon the other day, I came across a lightening deal for popsicle molds.  Scarlett's really been into popsicles lately and I thought it would be great for her to be able to have her own popsicles anytime she wants.  Plus, an added bonus is that she'd be able to choose what goes in them!

Once the popsicle molds arrived, I mentally planned what I should make them with.  Should I do a juice base featuring lemonade and chopped strawberries? I love the combination of lemonade and strawberries, it's a quintessential summer pairing.  Or, should I do a yogurt base with blueberries and bananas? The possibilities are truly endless, and that's what makes these yogurt popsicles so fantastic!

Scarlett was very eager to help and we begin chopping up bananas and strawberries for the popsicles.  I used vanilla yogurt because I thought it would be an ideal plain base and can be dressed up with the fruit.  Some of the popsicle molds we layered the fruit with yogurt, and others we just put a lot of yogurt in and fruit in the middle or on top.  There's really no wrong way to do it.  Make sure you don't fill the molds with yogurt too full, because they have to be able to close on top with the sticks.

Once you're done filling the molds, they take about four hours to chill in the freezer.  It's a long time to wait if you have children impatiently asking if they're ready yet! Some of the popsicles didn't come out as completely formed as others, but it was our first time making them so now I know what to do for next time.  I loved seeing the big chunks of fruit in the middle, it looked like those gourmet pops you can buy in a speciality ice cream store.  No need to visit any frozen yogurt or ice cream shop anymore, now you can make them in the comfort of your own home.

The best part about these yogurt pops is that you can get really creative.  You don't even need to use yogurt if you prefer not to.  The sky's the limit for creativity.  Feel free to use coconut milk or chocolate soymilk as the base.  If you want to make a really decadent pop, why not use chocolate milk or soymilk with coconuts and slivered almonds inside?  I bet that would be utterly delicious!  

Have fun!

Tips For Making School Mornings Easier

As I scroll through my Facebook feed, I'm seeing more and more children going back to school on a daily basis.  Whether your child is starting kindergarten or their senior year of high school, every parent can agree that getting ready in the morning can be hectic.

Scarlett is starting her third year of preschool in a little less than 3 weeks.  Her preschool starts at 9 AM, which may seem like there's endless time in the morning, but there's not as much as you think! I have to get her ready and also get myself showered and ready for the day, and leave by 8:45 AM.  

This list will allow you to have ample time in the morning to ensure you can get ready as well as your child.  There's nothing like rushing around knowing your child has to get on the bus at a certain time, and you have to get to work.

1.  Pack lunches the night before.  This is truly a necessity.  When you have the time to focus, you can make sure you're packing what you want your child to have.  There's no scrambling in the morning quickly spreading peanut butter and jelly on some bread your son hates.   I always pack Scarlett's lunches for school the night before and get her thoughts on what she'd like to eat.

2. Lay clothes out the night before.  If you have a child like my daughter, then you can relate to them not always wanting to wear certain things.  For those who do have young children and you try to pick out their clothes for them, they may or may not like what you choose.  It's easier to have them lay out the clothes they pick before bed, so they can wake up in the morning and not waste time trying to choose an outfit.  Let's just hope they don't change their minds in the morning! You can even put their shoes by the door so they can slip them on before they walk out the door.  

3. Sign and review all paperwork at night.  I'm not at the stage of schooling where my daughter comes home with a lot of paperwork and announcements for me yet.  That will happen in time.  I do remember bringing home papers for my mom to sign and send back.  Make sure you remind your child to show you anything that is urgent and needs attention.  The last thing you want to do is not give back a permission slip for a field trip and the deadline has passed! 

4.  Make breakfast in advance.  Weekend mornings are more leisurely and I have ample time to prepare beautiful breakfasts.  Once Scarlett goes to bed for the night, I may make from-scratch pancakes in advance for her to heat up in the morning to have with milk and fruit.  Usually I'm creative and add things like sliced strawberries and coconut.  Occasionally, I'll toss peanut butter and chocolate chips into the batter if I want her to have a more fun breakfast.  Frozen waffles and cereal get old after a while and it's nice to have a yummy breakfast to start the day with.  You can easily make egg cups in muffin tins filled with cheese, veggies, bacon, and anything else you'd like to put in.  They reheat well and can be tailored to any child's tastes.  I like to make those as well. 

5. Get the backpack ready before bed.  There's nothing like looking for a specific book or folder when you're running late for school.  Before your child goes to bed, make sure their backpack is ready for the following day.  Ensure all homework is completed and put back into the folders/binders they belong in.  Sharpen pencils and put all pens/highlighters back into the pencil pouch.  It's easier to put papers and books away as soon as you're done with them, rather than leaving them out.  Once your backpack is ready, place it by the door so you can grab it in the morning.  

I hope these tips help your child to have a happy and successful school year! 

Scarlett's 4th Birthday

Scarlett is turning 4 in December.  This is the first year that I actually have no idea what we're going to do for her birthday.  I don't know if we're having a party for her, or will just take her to do something fun.  You might say well it's only August, you have time! If you know me, you know that I like to plan in advance.  I usually have the party theme planned out and I start to buy decorations in about a month or so.  I'm completely out of ideas this year!

For Scarlett's birthday last year we had a pizza themed party at California Pizza Kitchen.  Part of my problem is that my house is not very large, so I can't have too many families over at once.  A party at a venue like a trampoline place is about $350-400 for 10 kids and doesn't include decorations, food, or cake.  As you can see, it's pricey.  

For Scarlett's 2nd birthday, we had a party in my house but it was really tight.  I am not sure if I want to just have a few of Scarlett's friend's over, or if we want to just take her to do something special in New York City since we don't live far.

Hopefully I can figure out a plan soon.  December is not as far away as you think! What did you do for your child's 4th birthday? 

Enjoy Some Family Fun At Lake Compounce Amusement Park

The summer is a magical time of year.  It's a chance to build memories and explore places you haven't been before.  Some enjoy countless beach or pool days during the warmer months of the year, while others enjoy diving into museums and family friendly activities.  However you choose to spend your summer, make sure you pack a ton in!

Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States located in Bristol, CT.  Since the park is set on a lake at the base of a lush green mountain, you'll find it's not only beautiful and clean, but family friendly too.  This fun-filled park originally opened in 1846 and would surely be a wonderful place to take the family.  The park is less than 2 hours from NYC, Boston, and Providence, RI.

There's a ride for truly everyone's interests, from small child to adult.  The whole family will enjoy Lake Compounce's Crocodile Cove which is Connecticut's largest water park.  Cool off from the summer sun with a lazy river, water slides, and more.  Lake Compounce offers than 50 rides and attractions, and I guarantee you'll be having fun in no time.  Season passes are available if you'd like to visit the park on a regular basis.

Adults and teens will love Boulder Dash, which is one of the world's best wooden roller coasters, as well as Phobia Phear Coaster.  If you're a dare devil, this ride is perfect for you at speeds of up to 65 mph! I am sure you'll find a ride you'll want to ride over and over.  Don't forget Zoomer's Gas n' Go which is an antique mini corvette ride themed with 1950's nostalgia.

Circus World is the coolest kiddieland around.  There's plenty of exciting rides and shows for the younger crowd in this section of the park.  This has Scarlett's name written all over it.

If you prefer to extend your Lake Compounce visit for more than just an amusement park visit, you can make a reservation to stay at Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce.  The campsite is open May through October and features 20 fully furnished cabins, 6 Cub Huts, 5 Teepee's, 56 RV sites and 50 tent sites.

I've lived in New England for 6 years now, but have never been to Lake Compounce previously. Since Scarlett is at an age where she can ride rides by herself and really enjoy an amusement park, I knew this would be the perfect time to take her.

From the minute we walked into Lake Compounce, fun was the only thing on our agendas.  We got to the park when it opened at 11 AM, and the water section didn't open till 12.  So for the first hour while we waited for Crocodile Cove to open, Scarlett rode the caterpillar train ride, Dumbo, a mini kiddie coaster, and a few other rides.  Shockingly, the lines were not long at all and we barely had to wait for any of them! Scarlett loved that she was able to ride the rides by herself, she is very independent!

By the time 12 PM hit, it was very hot at about 90 degrees.  Crocodile Cove was packed with so much to do we didn't know what to check out first.  The wave pool water was cold and extremely refreshing.  Scarlett enjoyed the kiddie section with the mini water slides and went down them many times.  There are crazy water slides for teens and adults that are high up and go very fast.  I skipped those because they are too much for me.  I did go down some calmer water slides which I really loved!

It's so exciting as a parent to see your child having fun.  I loved seeing Scarlett smile and have such a blast.  You're only a small child for so long and her life is all about fun at this age! We spent a decent amount of time in the water section and then headed over to the lake  so she could play in the sand.

If you're spending an extended period of time at Crocodile Cove, you can have lunch or a snack there.  There's plenty of food options like pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries, and cold beverages.  Whatever you could possibly want at a typical amusement park to eat is available.  Don't forget a sweet treat like cookies or ice cream!

Scarlett was very interested to check out the new Daniel Tiger show that Lake Compounce offers.  We went to the 2 pm show and she absolutely loved it! Most young children love Daniel Tiger and the audience was very interested.  The show is very interactive and the kid's were singing and dancing right along with Daniel and Katarina Kitty Cat who is also a main character of the show.

As I walked around, I noticed how clean the park was.  There was no trash on the ground and the park was very well-maintained.  Since this park has been around for a very long time, it has an old-timey feel to it, which I liked.  It's quaint and has a lot of character.  This park definitely does not feel like Disney World, it's small and intimate.

After the Daniel Tiger show, we rode a few more rides and then played some games.  We did not win any prizes, but we enjoyed playing anyway.  I loved Zoomer's Gas n' Go as one of the final rides I rode with Scarlett.  She was the driver and an excellent one at that I might add.  Sitting in an old classic car while you drive around a track with vintage ads while oldies play in the car was really cool.  I'm a lover of classic cars and the 1950's era, so this ride was right up my alley!

Four hours went by in a flash and I couldn't believe how much fun we had.  Like they say, time flies when you're having fun! Scarlett didn't want to leave, and I wish we had more time to spend at the park.  Our Sunday was definitely a fun-filled family day and we had a wonderful time.  We left with happy memories and smiles.  I hope to visit again next summer!

If you're in the New England area, you must make a trip to visit Lake Compounce.  The whole family will absolutely love it!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Lake Compounce for providing admission tickets in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.