west of the hudson newjerseylife leisure · • kitchens & bathrooms • plain & fancy...

the magazine for l i fe west of the hudson

& February 2008

newjerseylife leisure

Planning Your Perfect Wedding

� • newjerseylife&leisure • 2.08

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GENERAL CONTRACTORS, KITCHEN AND BATH SPECIALISTS


Specializing in:

Kitchens & BathroomsPlain and Fancy CabinetryCustom Mill WorkNatural Stone CountertopsMaster Tile WorkAdditions & Renovations

KitchensbyTurano 10/27/05 11:24 AM Page 1

2.08 • newjerseylife&leisure • �

GENERAL CONTRACTORSKITCHEN & BATH

SPECIALISTS

428 Franklin Ave. Nutley. NJ • 973-235-0011 • www.kitchensbyturano.com

Specializing In:

• Kitchens & Bathrooms

• Plain & Fancy Cabinetry

• Custom Mill Work

• Natural Stone Countertops

• Master Tile Work

• Additions & Renovations


4 2 8 F r a n k l i n A v e , N u t l e y , N J • 9 7 3 - 2 3 5 - 0 0 1 1 • w w w . k i t c h e n s b y t u r a n o . c o m

GENERAL CONTRACTORS, KITCHEN AND BATH SPECIALISTS


Specializing in:

Kitchens & BathroomsPlain and Fancy CabinetryCustom Mill WorkNatural Stone CountertopsMaster Tile WorkAdditions & Renovations

KitchensbyTurano 10/27/05 11:24 AM Page 1


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ed i t o r ’s no t e

What is it about February that inspires us to start making plans? Is it that the holidays are behind us? Or that summertime is closer than we think? Maybe it’s just too cold to do much else besides ski and build snowmen.

We’ve devoted a good part of this issue to a very specific area of planning – making your wedding the most memorable event it can be. Whether it’s your first time around, or your last, we have useful information on everything from dresses to destinations, as well as all the personal touches in between. Plus, we have tips for you on how to save money and make the whole thing as stress-free as possible. (And no, that doesn’t mean we’ll be taking your mother’s phone calls for you!)

So whatever it is that you’re planning this month, be it a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner or a trip to the slopes, or even embarking on that mammoth of all projects, wedding planning, we hope you’ll find some of the pieces in this issue entertaining, informative and inspiring.

Dream big and happy reading.

2.08 • newjerseylife&leisure • 7

in this month8 CoCo Pari – Return to Elegance

by Jennifer Cattaui

10 Wilshire Grand Hotel by Steve Moctezuma

12 Hot Spots for Weddings by Amanda Knoles

14 Modern Trends in Bridal Dresses by Amy Kelly

16 Planning a Reception by Amy Kelly

18 Favors & Centerpieces by Amanda Knoles

20 Bridal Showers & Bachelor Parties by Amy Kelly

21 Montclair Paperie22 Second Marriages

by Amy Kelly

38 Chatham Jewelers

in ever y month2 4 t h a t ’s l i f e3 2 h e a l t h & f i t n e s s3 3 t h e a r t o f i n t i m a c y3 4 d i n i n g i n & o u t3 9 s i m p l e l i v i n g4 0 t h e m a r k e t - p l a c e

c on t en t s

f e b r u a r y 0 8

20

101822

8

8 • newjerseylife&leisure • 2.08

Return To Elegance

Droves of serious shoppers are jumping into their cars to go on New Jersey’s finest fashion pilgrimage - not to large shopping malls in towns like Short Hills or Paramus, but to an independent boutique on the main street of Red Bank. “Sixty percent of our business comes from

Bergen County, Staten Island, Philadelphia, even New York City,” says Kimberly Landau, the owner and sole buyer of CoCo Parì, who’s quickly becoming a fashion icon for sexy luxury. In the name of style, ladies are spending up to two hours behind the wheel to lunch and shop in the once quiet town, now widely regarded as “the hippest town” in the state.

Landau was just 20 when she opened her first shop selling high-end clothing in Deal. Now, nearly a decade later, with a second boutique in Red Bank filled with a hand-selected, highly edited collection of the season’s most stylish clothing to her credit, she’s standing five inches taller than her natural 5’5” thanks to her vertiginous Christian Louboutins.

“It was more than just creating a store, I feel like I took part in driving the renaissance of a town,” she says. The Latin music pulsing onto Broad Street on Friday and Saturday nights, when CoCo Parì stays open until 11:00 p.m. for shopping, cocktails and fun, certainly has something to do with the town’s extreme makeover into the “Soho of the shore.”

In creating this fashion haven, Landau was inspired by the vibe in Miami Beach’s South Beach district, filled with trendy boutiques that feel more like clubs than stores. The clothing she’d find there was feminine, confident and sexy. So were the women who wore it. Seeing no reason why women in New Jersey shouldn’t share in the sexy confidence that VIP treatment and flirty frocks bestow, she decided to bring both the styles and the sense of revelry home with her.

CoCo Parì is about letting go and enjoying the experience of being spoiled. “The VIP status is here for the taking,” Kimberly says, confirming that the shoppers don’t have to be millionaires to be treated as such. In her store, she says, “You don’t have to

Fashion destination CoCo Pari attracts women seeking a liberal dose of femininity and sexiness

by Jennifer Cattaui

CoCo Pari17 Broad Street, Red Bank732.212.8111www.cocopari.com


search for it; you don’t have to wave down a salesperson. You don’t have to lug bags.” Their highly trained staff act as personal shoppers, there to guide you through the store, explain sizes and styles and maybe encourage you to take a few chances, if only in the dressing room. They’ll find items cut perfectly for you, whether you are size 0 or 12. “This isn’t a store just for models - the clothes have to work for real women.” She trains her staff to give honest opinions unbiased by commissions (they don’t work for them), and won’t let you leave the store with something that doesn’t look great on you. “I’d rather have someone leave empty-handed,” says Kimberly. Looking around, items bursting from racks and shelves, seducing shoppers with a promise of making them slimmer, sexier and even more radiant, it seems like an impossible exercise in restraint to walk out shopping-bag-free.

In her boutique, Kimberly stocks everything from from $2000 Blumarine dresses to $50 Juicy Couture T-shirts. She favors brands like D&G, Catherine Malandrino, Robert Rodriguez, Valentino Red, Mandalay and Anna Molinari, among others. A testament to her success, Landau brought in accessories lines, including Yves St. Laurent, only found in large luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. “They almost never sell to independent shops,” says Kimberly proudly, “but they love what we are doing here.” Designers respond to her savvy fashion sense (her pedicured feet were donning Jimmy Choos long before Carrie Bradshaw’s were), local tastemaker status and astute understanding of her clientele. Some designers even ask for her input in tailoring their lines to suit

her store’s prime shoppers. One word of caution: don’t be fooled by what’s on the racks. “I only place a couple sizes of each item out, but we have stock of all sizes,” says Kimberly, assuring that any woman can find the right fit in her store. Downstairs, you can find sale items, current season merchandise of which she’s sold out all but the last sizes.

Determined to give women everything they may need under one roof, Landau teamed up with beauty mecca, Wisteria, when opening the Red Bank store, expanding offerings from clothes and accessories to include skin care, fragrances, makeup, and an exclusive day spa. “Even famous plastic surgeons get their micro-dermabrasion at

Wisteria,” she confides.

The tan blonde with glowing skin, at the helm of the fashion destination, is as genuine as she is striking. She spends her days running from store to store, ensuring that the experience will be perfect for all who enter, from the distinctive look, with its zebra stairs, crystal chandeliers, flat TVs and granite floors and trendsetting merchandise to the sales staff employed to make you look and feel sexy and beautiful.

Landau recalls with a laugh, “When we opened, people said, ‘What do they think, it’s Miami?’”

It’s a Saturday afternoon and CoCo Parì is crowded with customers. Club music pulses through the store. By

the dressing rooms, there’s a woman with two cocktail dresses, debating over which works best for a wedding next weekend. By the shoe wall there’s a woman clutching a dazzling black pump for dear life. By the zebra print stairway, there’s a man closely studying a Missoni dress, a possib le gift for a very lucky wife. Outside, two teenage boys walk by with baseball caps and jeans. They stop to stare at the window. “Look at those shoes!” one exclaims.

“Many people say that they can’t believe they’re in New Jersey,” Kimberly laughs. “Sometimes I

can’t believe it.” n

Article and photos reprinted courtesy

of M.A.R. Magazine.

“It was more than just creating a store, I feel like I took part in driving the renaissance of a town”


In 1949, a Holocaust survivor by the name of Mickey Weiss (who was a native of Hungary and a prisoner at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II) came to America to start a new life for his family. He settled down with his wife Zitta, (who had also been a prisoner at Auschwitz) in West Orange, NJ –where the couple still resides.

Mickey Weiss worked as a baker at Goldman’s Hotel (which opened in West Orange during the late 1920’s). Later he became the hotel’s kitchen manager. In 1971, after the Goldman family sold the hotel to a catering chain called Town

and Campus, Weiss stayed on as a kosher caterer.

In 1959, Mickey’s son, David Weiss, was born and raised in West Orange.

David Weiss recalled that as a youth, “I worked here [when it was known as Town and Campus] as a bellhop, waiter, and maitre d’ to save up money so I could go into the real estate business.” In 1980, when he was only 21 years old, he started his own real estate firm, the Weiss Investment Company, but he never forgot his connection to the hotel. “I always said I’m going to come back.

The opportunity finally came to buy the place, and I bought it a year-and-a-half ago,” he said with satisfaction. He is now The Wilshire Grand Hotel’s principal partner and owner.

In 2006, before its present majestic incarnation, the previous facility and grounds underwent a $15 million total renovation and reconstruction facelift.

Today, the Wilshire Grand Hotel, located on 13 sprawling acres at 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ, is a full-service guest hotel (with 89 rooms, including 13 suites). It has many

The Wilshire Grand Hotel: Family Oriented, Business Friendly

S t o r y & P h o t o s b y S t e v e M o c t e z u m a

If you are looking for luxurious lodging rooms, or space to accommodate a variety of social or business functions, visit The Wilshire Grand Hotel, located at 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ


conference rooms and three magnificent ballrooms (their Grand Ballroom can seat up to 650 people); it also has a superb on-site catering business, and a popular Italian restaurant—the Primavera. It even has a putting green on its campus.

The luxurious hotel has plenty of space to accommodate a wide variety of social and business functions, from private celebrations (like bar/bat mitzvahs and weddings) to conferences. Their multi-purpose ballrooms can meet virtually any group’s needs.

The facility and grounds are inspected daily by staff to meet the hotel’s high standards of maintenance. Even David Weiss joins the inspection rounds at least 3 or 4 times each week.

David Weiss’ wife, Michele, designed and implemented practically all of the beautiful interior decoration. She selected the wallpaper, the chandeliers, the museum quality art work hanging on the walls, the furniture, the sculptures in the gardens, all creating a sophisticated, yet inviting atmosphere for hotel guests and visitors.

One of the pieces of artwork hanging prominently at the hotel is a large, graceful wedding day portrait of David and Michele Weiss. They were married in 1981, and have three children: Lindsay, Travis, and Yale.

Michele Weiss grew up in Queens, NY, studied speech pathology at Queens College, and got her Master’s degree in speech pathology at Columbia University. Later, she earned a real estate license.

She recalled that when David was her fiancé, he asked her if she wanted him to go into the hotel/catering or real estate business. She answered “real estate” because she thought that “catering was more demanding and meant working nights and weekends. As it turns outg, they are both equally time consuming,” she laughed.

“So even though David went into real estate, he still always had the hotel business in his blood,” Michele Weiss continued. “Finally, when we had the opportunity to buy it [the facility that became The Wilshire Grand Hotel] David said, ‘Let’s just go for it.’”

Michele Weiss said gratefully, “My kids are happy and healthy. My husband likes coming here to oversee the hotel and catering operations. We enjoy seeing families celebrate their happy occasions together at the Wilshire.”

The hotel and catering staff’s dedication and professional service has given the Wilshire Grand Hotel a well-deserved reputation for hospitality and excellence.

Edward Reagoso is the general manager of the Wilshire Grand Hotel. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, he now resides with his wife Leslie in Chatham, NJ.

Reagoso has been running hotels for about the last 24 years. Back in the late ‘90s Reagoso was the opening manager for all of the AmeriSuites Hotels along the east coast; he also worked for Inn Keepers Hospitality (based in Palm Beach, Fl.), and ran many of the Residence Inns on the east coast. “The hardest aspect [of the job] is satisfying everybody’s expectations and the most rewarding aspect is satisfying everyone’s expectations.”

In January 2008, the Wilshire Grand Hotel initiated a “green campaign” to make their hotel more energy efficient: the hotel is utilizing dimmable florescent light bulbs; beginning this March, they will start serving breakfast on china and using fine silverware (versus paper and plastic utensils); and they have installed mini-computer motion sensors which regulate the temperature in the guest rooms when the rooms are vacant.

Even though the initial investment of “going green” will cost the hotel approximately $60,000, Reagoso thinks in the long run the hotel will recoup its investment through energy cost savings,

and says “it’s just the right thing to do for the environment.”

In the relatively brief period since the Wilshire Grand Hotel has been open for business, it has attracted many corporations, including pharmaceutical, insurance, and information technology companies that utilize the hotel’s high-tech conference rooms. The hotel has spent over $50,000 to install high technology audio/visual equipment in its conference rooms; there are over 16 extra phone lines installed throughout the hotel’s catering and conference centers; and the conference rooms have both hardwire and wireless internet connections.

David & Michele Weiss pose in front of their wedding day portrait (on display at the hotel)

David Weiss (left), principal partner & owner of the Wilshire Grand Hotel with Edward Reagoso, general

manager of the Wilshire Grand Hotel.

(continued on page 19)

1� • newjerseylife&leisure • 2.08

Destination weddings have become more popular than ever in recent years as couples opt to combine their nuptials with a honeymoon. Resorts and tourism bureaus are encouraging the trend by offering complimentary wedding

coordinators and package deals to make the process as simple and affordable as possible.

Las Vegas continues to be the favorite of eloping couples and those who want to marry quickly. Many chapels in the city offer package deals including the officiant, flowers and photography. Several of the casino resorts have wedding chapels and packages that include receptions. You can have the simplest ceremony possible, or arrange for a more traditional wedding with an elaborate reception.

Bermuda is a popular choice for couples living on the East Coast. With its pink beaches surrounded by turquoise water, postcard sunsets, and a variety of quaint accommodations, it offers the perfect combination of romance, gourmet dining and outdoor activities. There are no blood tests or health certificates required, but couples must publish a notice of intended marriage in the Bermuda newspaper and present copies of divorce decrees if they have been previously married.

Jamaica and The Bahamas are two of the more popular Caribbean destinations for weddings, but there are many island countries to choose from including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Martinique. St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix are popular destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Both religious and civil ceremonies are performed and the legal requirements are less cumbersome than some other islands since they are territories of the U.S.

Mexico offers numerous resorts that cater to couples seeking to combine a wedding and honeymoon. Whether you choose the beautiful beaches of Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta or a more historic location like Mexico City, the experience is certain to be memorable.

for Destination Weddingsb y A m a n d a K n o l e s

2.08 • newjerseylife&leisure • 1�

Europe has become increasingly popular as a wedding destination over the last few years. Few people can afford to rent a majestic castle like Madonna or Tom Cruise, but there are plenty of charming spots in Italy, Spain, Portugal, England and France guaranteed to be equally romantic at more affordable prices. Some couples choose a country in Europe because of family ties to a particular region. Others may simply prefer a historic or artistic setting. Be sure to plan your wedding well in advance and adhere to legal requirements in the country you choose.

Destination weddings in the United States are also quite popular. Florida is a top choice for those who dream of a fairytale wedding at Disney World followed by a honeymoon on sunny beaches. The Orlando and Miami area offer a ton of activities for honeymooning couples that want to laze on the beach or visit amusement parks during the day and dance the night away at trendy nightclubs.

Hawaii is one of the most popular sites in the world for beach weddings. Whether you choose to hold your ceremony on Oahu, Maui or Kauai, there are a plethora of chapels and wedding services to choose from.

You may choose to be married in the snow of Alaska or at a cliff side resort in California, but there are a host of other choices including Sedona, Arizona, Steamboat, Colorado, historic Boston, and the scenic Poconos of Pennsylvania.

New York offers the beauty of Central Park, stately Manhattan churches, the beachside charm of the Hamptons, or upstate resorts with views of the Catskill Mountains. Traveling further up the East Coast you can have a sailboat wedding on Cape Cod, or be married on a historic estate in Rhode Island or Maine.

Before you choose a destination, establish a budget, then determine how far you can travel and how many days you have available. Think about how many guests you want to invite, whether your guests can afford to fly to the destination, or if you can afford to pay for their travel expenses. Some resort hotels offer discounted rates for wedding guests, and you may be able to negotiate a group rate with an airline.

Be sure to thoroughly investigate the legal requirements, such as how long you must be in the country before you can marry, which documents you must bring, whether blood tests are required, and the fees you’ll be charged for the license and ceremony. Give your guests plenty of advance notice and make sure RSVP cards are returned by a specified date. You will need an exact count of how many people will be attending as you proceed with the wedding and reception plans.

Take advantage of complimentary planning services offered by resorts and tourism bureaus. If the resort does not have a wedding coordinator, consider hiring a wedding planner in the area to help you make arrangements. The tourism office may also be able to answer questions you have regarding ceremony locations, reception sites, etc. n

v

Destination weddings have become more popular than ever i n r e c en t y e a r s


in Bridal and Bridesmaid DressesBY aMY KeLLY

Designers of modern bridal fashions continue to get inspiration from the chic evening dresses actresses wear on the red carpet. They also seem to delight in creating fairy-tale style gowns that make women feel like Cinderella.

At last Fall’s bridal market, several designers featured gowns with asymmetrical bodices. The look works well for those who are tall and long waisted. Slim women with long legs and narrow hips may also want to try tiers. Constructed of chiffon or pleated silk, they range from a few inches to floor length for a dramatic accent on the skirt.

While traditional ball gown styles abound, many brides are opting for sleeker, more sophisticated styles with fewer frills. Column gowns have been popular for several years but the newer styles have a tighter mermaid silhouette or a trumpet shape at the knee. For those who find column gowns uncomfortable, the flounce at the bottom creates just enough width to make walking and dancing easier.

Strapless gowns have been the number one choice for years. New designs ditch the straight-across bodice for sweetheart lines teamed with lacy shrugs. Corset style bodices laced up the back are big sellers since they help minimize the waist and draw attention to a dramatic train or skirt.

Sophisticated sheath dresses in knee length and floor length styles that drape the body are a good choice for second time around brides or a destination wedding. Constructed of silk or satin, they evoke images of Hollywood glamour queens from the 40s and 50s.

Streamlined styles are figure flattering and they are often glamorized with details like metallic thread embroidery, rhinestone buttons, delicate beading and tiny silk covered buttons. A sleeveless sheath gown worn with matching long gloves is a head-turning look, perfect for a contemporary

wedding. The style can also work well for bridesmaid dresses in matching or contrasting colors.

Girly-girl types who want to look like a princess may prefer one of the voluminous gowns accented with ruffles, lace, tiers and bows. Ribbons are also a hot accent this year. Many dresses feature wide silk sashes or ribbons crisscrossing across the bodice, skirt or train. The skirts of traditional gowns get an update with mushroom hems. The puffy, tucked under effect is achieved with an elastic seam at the end of the train for a fuller look.

For those who prefer a formal wedding with all the pomp and frills, ball gowns give a modern spin to a classic style. Shaped bodices with bubble skirts are available in sumptuous fabrics like satin, chiffon and silk with acres of petticoats underneath to create a voluminous floating effect.

Some designers are adding a splash of color to all white wedding gowns with sashes, ribbons, or hand stitching in silver, gold or lilac. Colored beads in jewel tones sparkle under the lights without detracting from the overall design of the dress.

Romantic gowns with underskirts that can be removed are pretty and practical. While the bride may want to look like a princess at the wedding ceremony, the removable underskirt allows her to be more comfortable and enjoy freedom of movement at the reception.

Brides who don’t want to wear white can choose from pink, blue and lavender hues for a spring and summer wedding or dramatic jewel tones for fall and winter. For those seeking a glamorous evening look, column dresses accented with sequins or black beading can provide drama without being over the top.

Instead of making their attendants don a billowy bridesmaid dress they will never wear again; many considerate brides

m o d e r nt r e n d s

2.08 • newjerseylife&leisure • 1�

are choosing cocktail style dresses their friends will be able to use on other occasions. It’s not unusual to see a parade of sophisticated little black dresses going down the aisle prior to the bride’s arrival all in white.

Spaghetti straps are big in bridesmaid dresses along with halter style bodices with open backs and satin jackets. The puffy sleeves and full skirts of years past have been replaced with flattering A-line silhouettes. Fun accents like feathers, colorful beads and sequins add a touch of sparkle without detracting from the simple lines of the dress.

Tea-length dresses are another pretty choice for bridesmaids. With hems that fall between the bottom of the knee and the bottom of the calf, they are easy to walk in and come in a variety of feminine fabrics like lace, taffeta and chiffon. Some feature netting overlays or intricate embroidery on the bodice and skirt.

Destination brides typically wear flowing gauze, tropical prints or lace dresses, but they may also choose from beautiful handkerchief hem styles in silk and chiffon or vintage gowns in antique lace and satin. Hip designers create an interesting patchwork look using several colors of lace on the skirt for a gypsy-like effect. n

Designers also seem to delight in creating fairy-tale style gowns that

make women feel like CinderellaJ HARRIS JEWELERS

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Making the guest list small is the easiest way to keep reception costs down, but with two families and a host of friends to accommodate, whittling the list is often difficult. Trimming costs in other areas will allow you to invite more guests without going over your budget.

Look for free or low-cost locations to hold the reception. If you have a family member with a large backyard, an outdoor reception can be beautiful. Check into renting tents, a gazebo, chairs and tables. Party supply rental outlets often have package deals.

If you will be getting married in fall or winter, investigate church halls and club facilities. For example, if your uncle is a member of the Elks Club, he may be able to get you a reduced rate on renting their hall. Do you know anyone who owns or manages a restaurant? A church member or neighbor might be able to arrange a discount rate on a restaurant banquet room.

Look into smaller hotels and restaurants that have private rooms. Some may offer package deals with meals for a specified number of guests. If your guest list will be small, you may be able to have your reception at a local art gallery, tearoom or dinner theater.

Don’t be shy about asking your family and friends for help. Depending on the size of your guest list, you may want to have a potluck reception where relatives and friends supply some or all of the food. Your Aunt Maria might be thrilled to make her famous enchiladas as part of the feast, or your uncle who owns a restaurant could supply the appetizers and desserts. Side dishes like salads, rice, and vegetable trays with dips are easy to prepare in bulk, or you can arrange for party platters from your local supermarket or deli. You may also be able to save

By Amy ke l ly

Don’t be shy

about asking

your family and

friends for help

Photo courtesy of David eric Studio of Photography


P l a n n i n g a R e c e P t i o n That Won’t Blow Your Budget

on party rental fees by borrowing items like punch bowl sets, serving trays and folding tables.

Instead of hiring a florist to make the centerpieces, buy flower bouquets and ask a crafty friend to help you arrange them in pretty vases bought at a discount store. Bring a touch of nature indoors with displays of colorful leaves, gourds, and wreaths. Small, hollowed out pumpkins make terrific candleholders, and unusual shaped branches and dried flowers add a touch of drama to table centerpieces. Use rich colors like red, orange and yellow for a fall reception or go with red, green and silver for a winter wedding. For a spring and summer reception, lace and flowers or seashells and potted palms add a seasonal touch.

Having the wedding on a Friday evening rather than Saturday can reduce the cost at many facilities. Avoid scheduling the wedding and reception for April-June or on holidays like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve.

A dessert and champagne reception will cost 75 percent less than a traditional reception with a buffet or sit-down dinner. And with a champagne, wine and coffee beverage list, you’ll pay less for the bar tab than if bartenders were serving cocktails all evening. Buying your own liquor from wholesalers can save you a bundle. Enlist a couple of cousins or hire someone to serve drinks for the duration of the reception.

Another option is a brunch following a morning wedding.

Serving a buffet with quiche, breakfast meats, croissants and

pastries will cost much less than a lunch or dinner buffet.

Shop for trays, platters, dishes, flatware, etc., after major

holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. You may also find

great deals on glassware, serving pieces, napkins, tablecloths,

etc. Pick up a few sets of twinkling lights and arrange them

in trees or around doorways and windows to create a festive

mood. Peruse the aisles of discount centers and dollar stores

for decorations like candlestick holders, ribbons, paper

lanterns, and other items.

Entertainment can be a major expense at a reception. If you

are having a cocktail party or a brunch, ask a friend to play the

piano rather than hiring a DJ, or arrange for piped in classical

or pop music. A dance floor is a nice touch, but it’s optional.

Depending on the size of the facility, you may be able to clear

a space for a dance floor. If the reception is in a backyard, you

can rent a dance floor that fits over the pool or a patio.

Wedding cakes are expensive but asking a friend to make the

cake can put pressure on both of you. Check into culinary

schools in your area where a teacher and students might

decorate a cake for a reasonable rate. An alternative is buying

a small cake from your bakery for the traditional cake cutting,

and serving sheet cakes to the guests. n


Centerpieces and favors that you make yourself are an easy way to save money on

the wedding reception. Enlist your crafty friends to help you assemble your creations in time for the big day.

Browse through any craft supply store and you’ll come away with dozens of ideas. The dried flower section is a great place to start. Whether you want the look of an old-fashioned bouquet for a Victorian themed wedding, or you are looking for something more exotic and contemporary, you are bound to find plenty of colors and textures that will work with your theme. Don’t forget to check out the cookware section. In addition to muffin tins that can double as candle molds, you will find lots of inexpensive cake toppers that can be used as decorations.

Large round or square candles in varying sizes placed in the center of the table provide the beauty of flickering light during the reception. Tea lights in crystal candleholders set on an oval shaped mirror also make elegant centerpieces. For more color or texture, glue beads or stones to the outside of the candleholders, or wrap ivy around the edges of the mirrors.

If you are having a destination wedding, themed centerpieces are always fun. For a tropical location you could use sand pails filled with seashells or real coconuts surrounded with Hawaiian leis. At a winter resort you might use a snowman bride and groom for the centerpiece or miniature toboggans placed in the center of each table.

Shop at discount stores, dollar stores, flea markets and

antique shops for unusual vases, mirrors, teapots, miniature wicker birdcages and other items that can be fashioned into centerpieces. If you want to use fresh flowers, arrange them in unique vases to help carry out your theme and wedding colors.

Have extra copies of your engagement photo put into 8x10 silver frames that are set on the table. Place a lace doily under the frame, or set it on top of a pretty mirror surrounded by miniature lights or dried flowers.

If your wedding and reception have a garden setting, use terra cotta pots with real plants as your centerpieces. At the end of the evening, the people with lucky numbers under their chairs get to take the plants home. Depending on the time of year, you might use African violets, daffodils, orchids or bromeliads. Just be sure not to choose plants

that are too tall.

Lucky brides who are having a winter wedding can choose from a plethora of holiday ornaments to brighten the tables. Oversized decorative balls, silver bells, sleighs, snowmen, angels and strings of twinkling lights are a steal at after Christmas sales.

Bring the outdoors inside with tree branches, wreaths, pinecones and beautiful colored leaves. Woven baskets filled with dried flowers, fruit or gourds make wonderful centerpieces for a fall wedding.

Favors also provide an opportunity to be creative and save money. There are lots of fun things you can create with the help of your family. Craft stores, discount stores, flea markets and antique malls are great places to find unique items that can be fashioned into favors. For

Fun ideas for

Favors also provide an opportunity to be creative and save money


&

Favors also provide an opportunity to be creative and save money

example, small candies like sugared almonds, chocolate kisses or jellybeans work well in vintage tins or jars wrapped with lace and ribbons.

At a garden wedding it’s thoughtful to leave each guest a packet of seeds, a basket of bulbs, or a tree sapling they can take home and plant.

For a Victorian themed wedding, beautiful teacups filled with a variety of teas make charming favors. Set the teacup on a saucer, fill it with teas, and then wrap it in tulle or lace tied with ribbons.

Champagne flutes, glass slippers or clear plastic boxes with lids can be filled with miniature soaps, potpourri, or candles. Choose scents that fit the wedding theme such as coconut for a beach wedding, or cinnamon and spice for a winter ceremony.

Ask the DJ to make a CD of the music that will be played

at your reception and leave a copy with a customized cover for each guest. Include a photo of the bride and groom and the wedding date on the CD cover.

When you shop for other wedding supplies look for small items that could be used to create favors such as wedding cake drink stirrers or miniature bridal bouquets on toothpicks. Small decorative items intended for use on cupcakes work equally well on homemade candles molded in a muffin tin or glued onto baskets and votive holders.

Check out the gift-wrap section of your favorite card store for festive bows, ribbons, streamers and colorful folding boxes inspired by takeout Chinese food. The pint-sized boxes can be filled with fudge, fortune cookies, truffles or any other treats that you choose. n

B y A m a n d a K n o l e s

Favors centerpieces

(continued from page 11)

The Wilshire Grand Hotel:

Family Oriented, Business Friendly

“2007 was a banner year for us, and this year should be even better,” Reagoso said confidently. “In light of the fact businesses have several chains to choose from in the area, we are pleased to earn their loyalty.”

Another mark of distinction for the hotel is its highly regarded food services. The Wilshire Grand Caterers can cater any function at the hotel, or guests may enjoy fine Italian dining at the hotel’s Primavera restaurant.

“Not only are we here for weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs—although that is a big part of our business—we also cater a large number of corporate business events, fundraisers, and conventions,” said Chris Ryter, sales manager for The Wilshire Grand Caterers. For example, The Wilshire Grand Caterers recently catered a bridal expo/fashion show and the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Annual Breakfast held in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.

The Primavera restaurant is privately owned and operated by Chef Dominick Casolaro, who graduated from the Culinary Arts Institute in 1980. “I like keeping up with the challenge of food trends and keeping my loyal customers happy. We’re known for our rock shrimp—everyone tries to duplicate it—and our fresh fish,” he said. For restaurant hours and reservations, call 973.731.4779 or visit www.primaverawestorange.com.

People and businesses alike build their reputations not simply on what they say. but also on what they do. The Wilshire Grand Hotel has accepted its corporate responsibility to give something back to its community—often in quiet, but nonetheless, significant ways. For example, without any fanfare the hotel has donated linen to needy congregations; given significantly discounted accommodations to families and friends of hospitalized victims at St. Barnabas Hospital and the Kessler Rehabilitation Center; and made charitable contributions for other worthy causes.

The Wilshire Grand Hotel, at 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ, has a special ambiance that suits many private and business needs, from single room lodgings to Grand Ballroom catered events and major corporate conferences. For more information about The Wilshire Grand Hotel and/or the Wilshire Grand Caterers, call 973.731.7007, or visit: www.thewilshiregrandhotel.com and www.thewilshiregrandcaterers.com. n

�0 • newjerseylife&leisure • 2.08

&B

ridal showers and bachelor parties have evolved so much over the last few years, almost anything goes. Many brides still enjoy a traditional shower with gifts, silly games and refreshments, but they also want a bachelorette night on the town with close pals. And

while many grooms look forward to a bawdy bachelor party, others are more comfortable with a low-key celebration.

A bachelorette party should reflect the bride’s personality. If she’s the devil-may-care type and willing to try anything once, a certificate for skydiving or bungy jumping may bring squeals of delight. On the other hand, if she’s more low-key a day of pampering at the spa might be a better option.

Weekend getaways and spa days are a popular trend for bridal showers. Bridesmaids may also participate in a day at a hair salon getting manicures, pedicures and hairstyling before the wedding.

If the bride is an outdoor lover, she might enjoy a weekend camping trip to a scenic destination. Arrange for a day of hiking, horseback riding, or boating and plan a meal at a lakeside inn for the evening.

An old-fashioned slumber party can be loads of fun for the bride, her attendants and a few close friends. Decorate the room with posters of heartthrobs and play music that was popular when the bride was a teen. Serve pizza, hot dogs and root beer, or ask guests to bring their favorite nostalgic dish. Guests should come dressed in pajamas and be prepared to stay up all night gabbing, dancing and celebrating.

Consider treating the bride to high tea at a fancy hotel or set up a tea at someone’s home with antique teapots, fancy lace tablecloths, dainty tea sandwiches, pastries and a variety of warm beverages. Ask guests to bring gifts that tie in with the theme such as pretty cups and saucers, napkin rings or candles.

Some couples prefer to make the shower a co-ed event with both bride and groom present. A potluck supper held at a friend’s home provides a casual setting where friends of the bride and groom can mingle.

Plan a backyard barbecue with a western theme or arrange to have a picnic at a local park. Guests might pool their money to

buy the bride and groom a weekend at a mountain resort or dude ranch.

If the bride and groom love to travel, plan an international evening hitting a variety of ethnic restaurants. You might start the evening with drinks at an Irish pub; have dinner at an Asian restaurant and dessert at a French bistro before heading out to a Latin dance club. Travel-related shower gifts like luggage, camera equipment and photo albums continue the theme.

While some guys relish the idea of a wild bachelor party including strippers and gallons of alcohol, others may prefer something tamer. Talk to the groom about his preferences. If he really doesn’t want a wild bash, he shouldn’t be forced into it. Compromise by planning a night of activities such as bowling and dinner at his favorite restaurant, then hit the clubs. That way if he doesn’t want to be involved, he can make an early exit.

If the groom likes gambling, a trip to a resort casino will provide plenty of entertainment. Along with playing the slots and table games, there are opportunities to see shows, hangout at nightclubs, or play a round on the golf course.

Food and wine connoisseurs will love being picked up in a limo and driven to a gourmet restaurant or nearby winery for dinner. Afterwards take him for a scenic drive and continue the party at an upscale nightclub.

Is he still a kid at heart? Plan a day riding roller coasters or spend a couple of hours at the go-cart track followed by a pizza party and an evening at the arcade.

A tailgating party before a sports event is fun for the groom and a few of his closest pals. If you can arrange for the stadium to put the groom’s name and picture on the big screen, it might make his day. Better yet, arrange for him to receive an autographed photo from the team, a jersey with the number of his favorite player, or two tickets to a future game.

Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy a weekend camping trip before the wedding. Plan a getaway with the guys to a favorite destination, or surprise him with a road trip to someplace new. Activities might include river rafting, hiking, boating, parasailing, wakeboarding, dirt bike riding or fishing. Share hot dogs and beer around a campfire at the end of the day. n

O f f b e a t Id e a s f o r

Bridal Showers Bachelor Parties

by AMy KEl ly

2.08 • newjerseylife&leisure • �1

Montclair Paperie is the premier source for wedding invitations in New Jersey. Now in their new location,

in the heart of Upper Montclair village, Montclair Paperie carries the largest selection of brands /designers of fine stationery including well-established industry leaders such as Cranes and William Arthur and lesser known boutique brands that are hard to find elsewhere.

Zori Levine, a Montclair resident with a lifelong passion for fine stationery and invitations, founded Montclair Paperie in 2001. “We recognize that planning a wedding is a challenging and time consuming process and we strive to make at least this aspect of the process fun, creative and hassle free,” according to Levine. “Our goal with every customer is simple: to make sure every invitation is exactly what the customer wanted and that it sets the tone and excitement for the couple’s special day. “ Montclair Paperie’s creative team works one-on- one with their customers to help create an invitation unique to the couple’s taste and budget. “Because the invitation sets the tone for the entire wedding, it is important for us to understand the style and feeling of the wedding.”

If you have not visited Montclair Paperie in the past, we think you’re in for a treat. Now in their new location at 623 Valley Road, there is plenty of space for new and exciting merchandise including photo albums to store all the pictures from the numerous events leading up to the big day, beautiful wrapping papers to wrap wedding favors or to use as a unique envelope liner, and the largest selection of imprintable invitations, used to invite guests to engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties or even a spa day for the wedding party.

Creativity and design talent. Zori, holding an MBA in marketing and a self taught graphic artist, has learned many skills from her staff, several of

which have graphic design and fine arts backgrounds. Customers can leverage the design skills of the Montclair Paperie staff to create a beautiful and unique invitation that preserves the ideas, themes and personal taste of the customer. All custom work and assembly is done in-house, which Zori believes is the only way to truly maintain quality control.

Quality and unique merchandise. The store’s extensive inventory is all carefully selected by Zori, who spends nearly every waking hour combing through trade publications, meeting with sales representatives and attending industry shows. All items are purchased in small quantities and are almost never re-ordered (unless customers insist!). Customers of the store know that anything they purchase from the store’s inventory is distinctive.

Dedication to customer satisfaction. This is a neighborhood business, owned and operated by a member of the Montclair community, which is perhaps why the store is so focused on its reputation in the community. Montclair Paperie makes every effort to achieve 100% customer satisfaction. For Zori, dedication to customers often means many late nights ensuring that everything in the process is done perfectly. “We view each customer as a relationship,” says Zori, “and we prefer to grow our business through our network of existing customers and word of mouth. Our relationships with our customers continue for many years after their wedding. It is always great to see the couples again and again - they come back for their baby’s birth announcements, birthday party invitations, and holiday cards. It is common for our customers to call us on the phone and ask that we create something special for them. They are confident we will create an invitation that is superior to what they had ever imagined.“ n

Montclair Paperie

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Montclair Paperie�� Valley road in Upper Montclair

Stop by or call (97�) 78�-1�90 in advance to set up an appointment.

�� • newjerseylife&leisure • 2.08

Embarking on a second marriage is an exciting time. Hopefully you’ve overcome hard feelings from the end of your first marriage and you’re

ready to walk down the aisle with the new love in your life.

In today’s society pretty much anything goes as far as second weddings. It’s no longer considered tacky for the bride to wear a white gown, but off-white, ecru, and pastels are popular choices. Many older brides prefer a sophisticated cocktail dress or a feminine suit for a second wedding, but you should wear whatever makes you happy. Splurge on a designer sheath dress, a sexy silk slip dress or an off-the-shoulder floor length column gown that makes you feel like a movie star. Many brides who are tying the knot for a second time prefer to wear a tiara or pretty hat instead of a veil.

Keep in mind that a Saturday night wedding and reception at a country club calls for more formal attire than an afternoon wedding at the beach. The time and location for the ceremony should help you decide on the best attire.

The maid of honor and bridesmaids are usually given more leeway about what

In today’s society pretty much anything

goes as far as second weddings

2.08 • newjerseylife&leisure • ��

Options for s econd mar r iages

to wear in a second wedding ceremony. Instead of wearing matching dresses, ask them to wear the same color. Depending on the setting for the ceremony, the groom and his best man can rent tuxedos or wear nice suits.

Where you get married largely depends on how many guests you plan to invite and the type of ceremony you want. Talk to your partner about what feels comfortable and how much you want to spend on the ceremony and reception. Unless parents or friends offer to help, you should pay for the expenses yourselves. It really isn’t fair to ask the bride’s parents to pay for a second wedding, particularly if they shelled out a lot of money for the first one.

Many couples prefer to have a civil ceremony with a couple of witnesses and spend more money on a reception. You might consider getting married on a cruise ship or combining your wedding ceremony with a trip to an exotic place you’ve always wanted to visit.

Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy hiking to a scenic hillside with the person performing the ceremony and a couple of close friends as witnesses. Romantic types may want to choose a spot with sentimental significance, such as the park where the couple first met, or the beach where the groom proposed.

A surprise wedding can be fun if you hold it at someone’s home. Invite friends and family to a backyard barbecue or holiday party and announce that you’re getting married after everyone has arrived. (You will probably have to involve a couple of friends in the planning process to help pull it off.)

Since many older couples have children from previous marriages, it is a nice gesture to include the children in the ceremony. Younger children can serve as the flower girl or ring bearer and teens can be bridesmaids, groomsmen or hosts who help

with greeting and seating guests. If your children are musically inclined you might ask them to play a musical instrument or sing a song during the ceremony.

While etiquette experts say guests aren’t obligated to give gifts for a second wedding, many people will want to. Register at a couple of stores you like or establish a honeymoon registry where guests contribute to your honeymoon fund. If you already have all the household items you need, you may also state in the reception invitation that gifts aren’t required.

Bridal showers are less common for a second wedding but if a friend wants to throw a party for you, it’s okay for the participants to bring gifts of lingerie, perfume, candles, etc.

Engagement parties and newspaper announcements are fine for second weddings; just make sure that children, ex-spouses and family members have been informed before the news becomes public.

The decision to invite ex-spouses to the wedding or reception depends on whether you have remained on friendly terms. If you share custody of your children and your ex wishes you well, it is fine for him or her to be a guest. However, if having the ex present will make your children or new spouse uncomfortable, it is not a good idea.

Take the opportunity to do things you didn’t have a chance to do the first time around. Write your vows if you didn’t for your first marriage. Have a big formal wedding and reception for your second marriage if you had a quick civil ceremony the first time. You are older, wiser, and it’s important to please yourself and your new spouse rather than trying to conform to the expectations of your friends and family. n

b y A m y K e l ly


My partner and I recently split up. It’s not forever, just for a while to keep us on our toes. It feels weird playing across the net from her, rather than right next to her. But the other day I made a good shot, right over her head, that won my side the game and she said, “Come here!” and gave me a big hug over the net. This is only one of the reasons I love playing with her.

The other is that she’s a jock. She’s fast and agile and has quick reflexes. Also, she wants to win. Actually, she doesn’t know it, but one of the reasons I suggested we mix it up a bit is so she would have the opportunity to win a few games. Because the two of us together – we lose a lot.

Neither of us has been playing tennis long. I began three years ago – a middle-aged woman picking up a racquet for the very first time in her life – a choice that implies a certain amount of bravery or stupidity or both. I showed up for an Adult School Beginners Class one October wearing a sweet tennis skirt and v-neck top. I later learned from an old friend that “those cute little tennis outfits assume a certain level of play.” And so I spent the rest of the class in exercise pants and t-shirts like everyone else.

Over the course of that eight-week class I learned how to hit the ball over the net and immediately mistook that for knowing how to play tennis. The instructor announced he

had another clinic beginning on the heels of our current class and we all signed up for more. Mostly I was playing with the same few people and I was progressing at a good clip, so I signed up for a third session with him in the winter. I was delighted (and not really surprised) when he assigned me a new time slot. He was moving me to a slightly more advanced group and I would have the opportunity to play with people a bit better than I.

After one session with those people, the unthinkable happened. The instructor moved me back to my original slot. I’d been demoted.

I have many friends who have played for years and they’ve all told me the same thing: people’s true colors come out on the tennis court. I had no idea what that meant at the time, but now I see. I felt ashamed and humiliated having to slink back into the lower group and as a result, I focused myself on my game in a way I hadn’t previously. I was intent on making this instructor rue the day he ever put me back here.

As if he cared.

However, I also realized I’d been in an unfamiliar situation while in the higher group: I had been the worst. I have done a reasonably wide variety of things in my life. I’ve worked in business and in bars. I’ve dug ditches and laid tile floors. I’ve sold flowers like a Hare Krishna and sucked

saliva out of people’s mouths in a dentist chair. And while I can’t point to a single instance where I’ve undeniably been the best -- (well, except maybe the time I sold a hamster cage to a guy that didn’t even own a hamster) – neither have I ever been unquestionably the worst. Perhaps if I’d pursued astrophysics I could make that claim, but not in the life I’ve really lived.

Humbling doesn’t even come close to what it feels like to be the worst at something. This is not a case of false modesty. I’ve actually had a tennis instructor say to me, “Congratulations, you’re not the worst anymore.”

I told a friend I’d played with that first summer that my game had improved since I saw him last. He said, “I would hope so. You had nowhere to go but up.” If you are over forty-five the first time you ever hear those words, you have to wonder… is this truly an act of courage? Or am I just exceptionally misguided?

It’s not just that I’m a poor

player. I also get hurt a lot. I’ve been hit in the head (by my partner), the nose (also by my partner), and have fallen more than once not while running, but as I was standing completely still. I remember a specific class where I took a hit in every one of my private parts. And then there was the round robin where two women went through all manner of regulatory contortions, each trying to avoid playing on the same team with me.

That really hurt.

But my partner doesn’t seem to care about any of that. She’ll say, “Great serve!” even if I’m on the opposing side. She’ll let me talk her into playing tournaments with me. Even when she has to wear all white. Even when she has to secure childcare. Even when we tie for last place.

She says to me: “Next year we’re not tying for last place. If we’re in last place again, we’re gonna own it!”

Tell me: Is that not true love? n

true lOve by Jessica Wolf

that’s liFe I

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It was 1973, Washington D.C. and we were a groovy family. My mother and father were supportive when Adele, the first of my sisters, got married and announced that she was going to keep her name. “It was the height of the women’s movement,” she told me, “and a matter of identity. I didn’t want to be ‘wife of…’”

I was an eleven-year-old girl, watching and listening to everything my older siblings did and said, believing that it was my roadmap. They called it radical. Boss.

I knew then that I would never change my name. And, two marriages later, I haven’t, which has definitely saved on re-monogramming costs.

But I think the best part of having kept my name has been not having to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles more times than is absolutely necessary.

Not all parents are progressive in the name change department. “The minute I said, ‘I do’, my mother must have sprinted to a payphone

at the church to order me 500 pieces of personalized stationary with my new married name on it,” Elle told me. And this from a Mom that called herself a feminist. “To me, taking a man’s name seemed like the ultimate act of bending to the patriarchy.” But Elle always uses her maiden name, despite it being changed on the marriage certificate. Hers is a name change on paper only. (Embossed ivory stationary, of course!)

Nan told me her story. “I got married 49 years ago. Every woman took her husband’s name. When my flat silver was being monogrammed with my new name, my mother complained to the engraver that the monograming was so light you could hardly see it. ‘But…these days we do that on purpose - so it can be erased after the divorce!’ he responded. ‘You go back there and make it deeper!’ my mother ordered, very offended.” Back in those days, monogramming was no joke. I have about fifteen

pieces of linen from my grandmother and every one is fully monogrammed. My grandfather had a salad bowl mounted with a metal monogram, ‘PM’ for Pete’s sake! Maybe that’s why I was named Patience, so I could use Paul Moore’s salad bowl. Talk about ownership! I wonder if he had my grandmother monogrammed.

I really thought that from that fateful day in 1973 forward all women would keep their own names. But it seems that every woman has her own reason and makes her own choice. And I think, actually, that that is the best result of feminism I could hope for - that there is choice.

A childhood friend, Linda, surprised us all when she took her husband’s name, Maisonpierre. But for her, the reason was simple. “His name sounds much more beautiful than mine.” She’s absolutely right - as long as it stays in French. Linda Peter’s House doesn’t have the same Je ne sais quoi. So maybe now, taking a husband’s name isn’t bowing to ownership anymore but more like choosing an accessory. Do I want a leather purse or a silk clutch?

But what about the kids’ names if you have them? So many women keep their own name and then give their children their husband’s names. Hello!!! I was the one who was sooooo sick for months and months, pregnant, and it was me, not him, screaming psychotic obsenities at the nurse during

two natural childbirths. (“Somebody close that @#$%* door!!”) After going through that, the child is going to have his father’s last name? I don’t think so!!

So our sons have hyphenated last names, Moore-Manakas. I’m lucky. You can tack Moore to just about anything. If I were Patience Magilicutty, marrying Van Schwartekoffenstader, I might have a different kind of decision on my hands. Listen, it’s not a perfect solution. My in-laws, ten years later, still don’t address envelopes to me correctly. Mrs. Patience Manakas Moore, Mrs. Van Moore, Mrs. Thinks-She’s-So-Progressive-That-We-Have-To-Sit-And-Figure-Out-Her-Dumb-Name- Everytime-We-Send-Her-A-Birthday-Card-Moore.

My husband and I did talk about creating an entirely new name for our family. Patience West?…Patience Schwartz?...Patience For Dummies?…A friend and her husband did it. Just made it up! Now their names are “Dark”. Now that is boss.

There was one woman I met at a party whose choice was sort of made for her.

“No, I didn’t give my children a hyphenated name,” she told me. “I couldn’t. It would have been White-Bacon.” And mine would have been Moore-Bacon, please. n

the names have Been Changed by Patience Moore

that’s liFe I I


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the COzy end by Christina Loccke

that’s liFe I I IIt was time. I had been asking my fellow playgroup parents about their weekend plans, and there was finally a lull in the conversation. I blurted it out. “Actually, we are flying down to Key West for a friend’s wedding.”

Every mouth was agape. I tried to pretend this was a normal activity; my husband and I frequently plan weekend getaways. Parenting hasn’t changed us in the least. Mere seconds into my charade, they called my bluff, offering heartfelt congratulations and even a few shrieks. Then the questions began, “but who

will watch the kids?”

I then recounted the truth: there had been months of planning and plotting. Family members were booked, teams assembled, flow-charts of feeding schedules and naptimes were color-coded and posted, vacation days were counted, negotiated, and confirmed. Every duck had been assembled into one neat, tidy, childproof little row. I was not worried. I would not let “worry” ruin this celebration of marriage, tropical sunshine, champagne, and three days of limitless sleeping.

Yet on our drive home from playgroup, as I turned up the radio to muffle the grievances of hunger, thirst, and excessively tight seatbelts, I began to worry. Words like “blizzard” and “ice storm” began to invade my reveries. I even heard “nor’easter.” With one motion, I turned the sounds off but was sure to sleep with fingers crossed that night.

At four AM, my reveries were again invaded by a phone call. Continental had cancelled our flight, due to inclement weather. I assured the operator that this was unnecessary, as I was speaking from about 7 miles from the airport and there was not a snowflake in sight.

What ensued in the following 36 hours was a Kafkaesque discourse on booked flights, alternate airports, connections, alternate airport hotels, cancelled car rentals, and requests to get

that rental car back again at the same rate … always with a “Please? You see, we have one- and two-year-olds, and we really never go away…” With heads spinning now 18 hours before the ceremony, we found common ground with Continental, involving four different airports, three cars, and two hotels.

Yet all was still not right. Once the travel problems had been conquered, I stopped to realize that I didn’t feel well. The thermometer claimed that I was running 102, so I quickly called my doctor to explain that I needed an immediate appointment, “Please? You see, my husband and I never really go away and…” Within an hour, I had my throat cultured, a prescription in-hand, and heartfelt reassurance from my doctor that I can, indeed, make that flight.

I phoned my husband at home, reviewed the plan, and talked through the situation. Doubt had started to creep into our minds. Could something be trying to keep us from leaving home? While closing my mobile phone, I heard an enormous “BOOM” and realized that the roads, judging by the depth of the pothole I had just hit in front of the A&P, were in terrible shape. Will we even have time to make it to JFK for our flight? I wondered, as I tried to continue down Valley Road, noticing that the car was suddenly difficult to steer. I also began to hear a flapping sound from where my tire

should have been. Uh-oh…

I found a spot in front of The Cozy End (how apt!) and decided to phone AAA before my husband. “Sorry, we are running at least a 90 minute wait time. Everyone is blowing out tires today.” I had already given up, but decided to give it one more shot with, “you see… two young children… JFK… should already be on the road…”

My next call was home. “Call off the troops,” I began, and explained that I had blown out a tire and broken the rim. My husband’s response was clear and directed, “Leave everything. Forget the car. Walk home to your family. Let’s hide for the rest of the weekend.”

I heartily thanked AAA, who came in less than 15 minutes. When I showed up at Keil’s Pharmacy, they had my prescription waiting at the counter. My girlfriends had called my house to check in, offering to rush us out to the airport to try and make the flight. But it was already over.

I feel as though we didn’t just let down the bride and groom when we missed that wedding – we disappointed everyone who looked at us and listened with wide eyes, daring to believe the dream that new parents can have a carefree weekend getaway. That said, we still think we can do this. We are believers. We have to be. After all, we prepaid our hotel in Key West. A two-night nonrefundable stay awaits us… someday. n


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Love nurtures and heals us. It relaxes our bodies and minds, makes us feel safe and accepted. From birth you already were pre-wired to receive and give love. If, however, you are feeling resistance to accepting love or feel unable to give love, you are not alone. Sadly, many people believe they are unlovable, unworthy of love and they don’t know why. As a HypnoCounselor, I assist people in removing such subconscious blockages. Although your “well intentioned” subconscious functions like a computer programmer, it fails to rectify errors in programming. As a facilitator, I help clients utilize a communication pathway (hypnosis) to speak with their silent decision maker (their subconscious) to identify and correct faulty programs running in their mind.

What would block you from accepting and giving love? Subconsciously held negative mind sets and belief systems. These may constantly declare you are not good enough, not lovable enough. Frequently, for example, when parents divorce, children subconsciously feel it is their fault. Their imperfect logic may say that if they had been more lovable, their parents wouldn’t have separated and “abandoned” them as full time parents. Another example is parents who may have questioned why their child got a 93 instead of a 100 on an exam and persistently/consistently demanded perfection. Now, in that child’s view, this may establish an illogical mind set that says nothing can please his parents; hence, he must not be good enough nor lovable enough otherwise they would have accepted him just as he was.

Alas, people have no awareness of such subconscious programming that could have started in very early childhood. The programming is created without a person’s permission or knowledge/awareness; hence, no guilt applies here. Unfortunately, the conscious

mind actively blocks you from consciously reaching into your subconscious to eliminate erroneous programming.

On the other hand, HypnoCounseling actually helps you reach your subconscious “computer” to delete such things as negative low self-esteem programs (i.e. I’m not lovable) while adding new high self-esteem programs (of course, I’m lovable) for immediate use. While in hypnosis (an alpha state of awareness), your subconscious agrees to delete all those programs that sabotaged your innate ability to receive and give love, no matter who the other person is. Next, you download the belief that you are lovable, worthy of love. You give and receive love easily now at your discretion. Once in hypnosis, you really do experience affirmations that you have pre-approved. Like air, water and food, we all need to feel LOVED to be sufficiently nurtured. Truly, it is possible to nurture yourself even as an adult, compensating for past nurturing withheld or overlooked. By utilizing hypnosis, your subconscious responds to the vivid imagery and strong, positive feelings associated with your affirmations, thus, manifesting them as your reality. Remember, also, your brain has plasticity that allows for real physiological changes; it is a mind/body/spirit coordination.

Isn’t it about time you got the love you deserve? n

Gale Glassner Twersky A.C.H., Ct. H A., is President of Glassner Associates Hypnosis for Personal Growth and Wellness. Gale is certified in Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy and is a HypnoCounselor/Featured Public Speaker/teacher with two offices Montclair. Gale authored/recorded the single CD, “Relax, Release and Dream On”, (released 2006). Her 9 CD Series “Reprogram Your Subconscious: How to Use Hypnosis to Get What You Really Want” produced by Nightingale-Conant Corp., (2005) is still a “Top Seller.” Please email comments: [email protected] Visit Glassner Associates Hypnosis: www.hypnocounseling.com

The Nuturing Power of Love and Hypnosis

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T h e A r t o f I n t i m a c y

f

MLL

Starting Points for Creating Intimacy

Psychological intimacy, or the ability to fully self-disclose has been cited in a research study of couples married an average of thirty years, as a significant indicator of relational satisfaction. Partners reported a sense of connection, peace and contentment when they felt they could disclose as much as they needed or wanted to and still be accepted by their partners.

The health benefits of intimacy have been documented as well. Individuals who are able to share their thoughts and feelings in intimate relationships have been found to have lowered stress levels, increased self-esteem and –respect, and have increased their overall physical health as well.

That said, how do we promote, create and sustain an atmosphere where full self-disclosure (if so desired) may occur?

We might best begin with a bit of self-analysis and reflection. Our ideas, experiences with and behaviors around self-disclosure influence how much we give and, often, what we receive.

Here’s some food for thought:

1. Who were you most intimate with within your family? Why?

2. Who were your most intimate friends? Why did you confide in them? Were they intimate with you as well?

3. What do you most enjoy about intimacy? What frightens you?

4. In general, how comfortable are you in confiding your thoughts and feelings?

4a. How do you decide whom you will confide in?

5. In addition to your partner, whom do you confide in now? Under what circumstances? How often? About what? Why did you select them?

6. Why do people confide in you? Why would they want to?

7. How judgmental are you?

8. Can you hear a confidence without giving advice or judging?

Having a clear sense of how we relate to intimacy or self-disclosure, and what our comfort level is within it, will help us see how we may encourage or hinder ourselves and others in the process. Thinking about these questions and asking them of our partner or friends can also help illuminate similarities and differences, which may impact the level of closeness and connection we create and feel.

We all thrive from feeling like we are accepted, valued and needed, so making sure our intimacy skills are fine-tuned works for us and those in our circle. n

Irisha Brown, M.A., M. Ed., is an Intimacy and Relationship Coach and Proprietress of the boutique, Initmate Engagements, in Montclair, NJ. Please email questions and comments to [email protected]

by IRISHA bRown, M.A., M. Ed


& dining in out

Here’s a place that AOL’s on-line City Reviews voted “The Best Sushi in New

Jersey” and “The Best Place to Bring a First Date” and “The Best Place for Late-Night Conversations.” This same trendy place also appeals to the senses, and is strikingly beautiful, having been designed by a prominent architect.

The place is the Sushi Lounge, which has now opened in three locations – Morristown, Hoboken, and Totowa. We visited the Totowa location, and found it to be all that AOL said it was. It features black slate floors and a lounge with fully-stocked bar, centered around a beautiful fireplace that is filled with fireglass beads that make the flames look like they’re dancing through diamonds.

Both the lounge bar and sushi bar offer flat screen TVs, a full wine and (hot and cold) Saki list, and an extensive, inventive Martini and cocktail menu. Wine and Saki can be had by the bottle and by the glass.

There is also a communal table where friends can meet, drink, and dine. The lounge and the comfortable dining room are divided by a wall of suspended glass, filled with 500 bottles of Japanese vodka that change to create a most interesting effect.

The food definitely commanded our attention at the Sushi Lounge, and with such a large and inventive selection, we finally decided to start with a Lounge Mojito. We were also delighted to find that Martinis are half price all day on Wednesday and during happy hour, Monday through Friday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our appetizer, boneless barbecue spare ribs, was presented centered in blossoms of Bibb lettuce with a marvelous sauce. What a presentation!

Next, we had a Lounge House salad of mixed baby greens tossed with carrots, water chestnuts, tossed coconut, and Lychee vinaigrette, and then sampled their famous rolls. The spicy tuna was a mouth watering freshness in a thin crust of sticky rice, and

the special rolls include the much-praised “Optimistic” roll, with tuna, salmon, avocado, masago, and crisp tempura flakes rolled in a soy wrap and served with three special sauces — sesame, jalapeno, and sweet wasabi mayonnaise.

Chilean Sea bass, sauteed, marinated in a yuzu and soy glaze, and wrapped in soy paper with avocado is another favorite at the Sushi Lounge. The extensive entrée menu includes such favorites as grilled tuna steak, seared sea scallops, and steamed halibut. Those who prefer a western taste will find American and Continental dishes, fused with an Asian flair, such as grilled flank steak and Kobe beef hamburgers.

The sushi chef (from TAO in Manhattan) and the Continental chef (formerly of the Ritz Carlton) work together to satisfy even the most esoteric appetite, and the choices run the gamut of imagination. Sushi and sashimi, a la carte, include sea urchin. Stripe Jack, Arctic Char, and even Amberjack,

a sort of baby yellow tail imported from Japan.

If you would enjoy seeing your sushi sliced and prepared, sit at the sushi bar, tell your waiter what you want, and enjoy the show.

Desserts are all made on the premises, and boast their own menu. We devoured the delicious Maui Nachos (cinnamon and sugar dusted wontons topped with tropical fruits, raspberry coulis and caramel sauce, topped with white shaved chocolate.) After this, you may feel impelled to kiss the chef. Also on the dessert menu are Mocha Creme Brulee, Fusion Truffles and Mocchi, wonderful ice cream flavors like green tea and red bean, wrapped in sweet rice paper.

Catering for up to 50 guests is done on premises. You may have your occasion in a private room, or you may indulge at home, with a sushi chef and all that fantastic food sent to you by the Sushi Lounge. Watch your invitations become the most sought-after in your crowd!

The Sushi lounge OFFERS A FANTASTIC DINING ExPERIENCE!

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TOTOWA235 Rt. 46 West • Totowa, NJ(In Shopping Center Next To Daffy’s)

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201-386-1117

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The in-crowd can be found at the cool lounge, where a DJ. is on hand five days a week. The candle-lit wall, the music, the infused saki, and the freshest of sushi all add up to making the Sushi Lounge a trendy, exciting, hot new place that you will want to visit again and again. n

Sushi Lounge has three locations: Totowa, 235 Route 46 West, 973.890.0007

Morristown, 12 Schuler Place, 973.539.1135

and Hoboken, 200 Hudson St., 201.386.1117

All major credit cards are accepted and reservations are welcomed.


38 Upper Montclair PlazaUpper Montclair, NJ

Tel: 973.655.1441Fax: 973.655.1350

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Chatham Jewelers is a full ser-vice jewelry store located at 94 Main St. in historic Chatham, New Jersey, just minutes from the Mall at Short Hills, off Rt. 24. They are located in the William Pitt Town Square shopping center. The store has been in business for eighteen years, eleven of them with the current owner, John Saladino. John attended the Gemological Institute of America for diamonds in 1987, and has been the owner of Chatham Jewelers since 1996. His staff prides themselves on providing their customers with excellent service, as well as offering a unique collection of platinum, white and yellow gold diamond and colored stone jewelry. They provide a full selection of diamond remounts, as well as a bridal line complete with diamonds, semi-mounts, and diamond wedding bands. Chatham Jewelers offers expert jew-elry repairs, high end watch repairs, and ear piercing by a staff member with twenty years of experience. They

have a Graduate Gemologist available for appraisals who will meet you at the store at your convenience, and appraise your precious items in front of you if you wish. They also provide a jewelry design service for those who want to restore an heirloom, create a new piece of jewelry for themselves, or who just want to “recycle” something outdated and make it new again. Each year during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, Chatham Jewelers has a “Valentine’s Day Sale”, where they offer 30% - 50% off of their finished jewelry and watches. The sale does not apply to any special orders or customer repairs, and certain exclusions may apply. This is a great occasion for anyone who has been thinking about a new piece of jewelry to come in and purchase something for themselves or a loved one.Please contact Chatham Jewelers at (973) 635-9100 with any questions you may have, anyone there will be happy to help you. n

Chatham Jewelers94 Main Street | Chatham, NJ | 973-635-9100

Extended Store Hours: Feb.11th - Feb.14th: 10am - 8pm

Feb.15th: 10am - 6pm Feb.16th: 9:30am - 5pm

131 Newark Pompton Tpke, Little Falls, NJ 07424 973-837-1120Open 7 days a week & bar open to 2am

Lunch$6.00

Tues-Fri11:30-2:00

Happy HourMon-Fri 3-7

CateringOn & OffPremise

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Chronic disorganization is NOT a disease. It is found in all kinds of people, at every income level. Chronically disorganized people are often functional, creative, intelligent, social and accomplished. Chronic disorganization is commonly associated with ADD, chronic pain, depression, addiction to shopping, cluttering and hoarding, bi-polar disorder, Alzheimer’s, brain injury, and autistic spectrum disorders. Chronic disorganization is also often associated with:

life events and Circumstances

Difficulty recovering from:

Traumatic emotional loss: divorce, death of a loved one – especially, parent, spouse, or child

Life changes that make organizing more complex: getting married, having children, home-schooling, getting promoted, moving to a larger or smaller home, starting a business

Major chronic illness in the family

Personality Characteristics and Thinking Styles

• High intelligence and creativity

• Right-brain dominant information processing style

• Strong emotional attachments to things

• Needing energy of another person to feel “focused and grounded”

• Tendency to lose track of time

• “Global” thinking styles – tend to see everything at once

• Difficulty categorizing and making decisions because they can think of so many possibilities. n

© 2007 Ariane Benefit

Ariane Benefit, M.S.Ed, is an

Organizing Coach specializing

in helping people reduce stress

and save time by making their

lives simpler, easier and more

efficient. What’s keeping you from

having the joyful life you want?

Based in Bloomfield, NJ, she is the

author of the popular organizing

and decluttering blog, Neat &

Simple Living and the “Neat &

Simple Guide to Organizing Your

Office”. She can be reached at

973-429-2100 and on the web at

www.neatandsimple.com.

BY ARIANE BENEFIT, M.S.ED.

756 Bloomfield Avenue (Verona (Corner of Fairview, next to Flatiron Building)

973.239.3738

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causes ofchronic

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From Our Family To YoursThaNk You

For 54 Years Of Business


Ray973.744.1434

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City Glass WorksEstablished 1928

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the market-place

Edward T. Harrison“I repair what your husband fixed”

ph: 973-760-7469

[email protected]

119 Stonehouse Rd.GLEN RIDGE, NJ 07028

Repair & RestorationsFrench Finishing & Veneering, Woodwork

Inlay, Carving, Rush-hand Cane, Buy & Sell

Auto Body

“Nationwide Network”

• Mobile Estimates• Pick Up & Delivery

• Rental Cars• Parts & Accessories

Vehicle Value & Pre-buyer Estimates

NY/NJ Field EstimatorPeter Casse 973-418-0550 [email protected]

FREE ESTIMATES FULLY INSURED

ROOFING - SIDINGA Quality Job For A Fair Price

Tel: 973-324-9461

10% o f f

any carpentry work

GENERAL CONTRACTING

ERINGTON GRANTWARREN JAMES

MONTCLAIR, NJ 07042

OFFICE 973/744-3755FAX 973/783-9897

LICENSE NUMBER / 13VHO2292500

CARPENTRYREMODELINGPAINTING

PLUMBINGTILINGREPAIRS & MORE

SPECIALIZING IN SMALL JOBSFULLY LICENSED AND INSURED

Cel 973/461-6405

CLEAN UP SERVICEYARDS - POOL & SHED - REMOVALS - GARAGE

LIGHT DEMOLITION - WILL TAKE UNWANTED FURNITURE

CALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE - ASK FOR MANY’SCell: (973) 452-1984 • (973) 253-7255 Licensed

* TOTAL HOUSE CLEANOUTS *


Having a Party? Call Us First for A FREE Party Set-Up & Free Delivery!

15% OFF Any Bottle of Wineor

20% OFF Any 4 Bottles of Winewith coupon. Does not apply to in-store promotions. Must be 21 years old or

older. Excluding newspaper sale items, tobacco. One coupon per visit. Expires 2/10/2008

FreeDelivery

Join Our Wine Club!Email us at: [email protected]

with your name and email address and save 20% off shelf prices.

We Stock Kegs!

Mon-Sat 9am-10pmSun 1pm-5pm

All Major Credit Cards Accepted

877-467-7416973-509-1700

Glassner Associates Hypnosis for Personal Growth and Wellness

Gale Glassner Twersky, A.C.H, Ct.H.A.Board Certified by American Board of Hypnotherapy

IL & NJ Certified Teacher

Gale authored the “Top Selling” Nightingale-Conant 9 CD program:

Reprogram Your Subconscious: How to Use Hypnosis to Get What You Really Want *

Author of audio CD: Relax Release and Dream On * (Reduces Effects of STRESS)

Featured Public Speaker for over 20 years for Corporate, Service and Educational Groups

HEALING ZONE 125 Valley Road, Montclair NJ, walk to train/buses

www.hypnocounseling.com

We help you “Reprogram Your Subconscious,” your silent partner in:• Anxiety • Anger • Depression • Colitis/IBS

• Diabetes • Fears • Grief • Habits

• Pain• Sleep • Self-esteem • Smoking

• Stress • Test Taking • Traumas • Weight

...and much more, in fact over 75 different issues for both adults and children

*for purchases, testimonials and for more information on group or individual sessions, please visit our brochure website

Glassner Assoc. for Peace of Mind and Body(serving Montclair area since 1999)

Gale Glassner Twersky A.C.H

HYPNOSIS

Join our Weekly Group HypnosisTues/Weds 8:15-9:15 pmCall to Reserve 1 week advance, $15

973.509.1700 • Hypnocounseling.com

Appreciate the Beauty of Value

•20 Years Experience •Fully Insured •Satisfaction Guaranteed •Over 2,000 Completed Jobs in Essex County

Specializing in vinyl siding, roofing, windows and cedar impressions.

AROLAN

ONTRACTORS, INCCC

NEW PRODUCT! Hardieboard Fiber Cement Clapboard Siding. Available in 20 colors.

Come visit our showroom520 Bloomfield Ave - Caldwell

973-228-1700 1-800-250-6677 www.CarolanContractors.com

NJ State License 13VH02118900

100% FinancingAvailable

Some restrictions applycall for details

Featuring Pella WindowsFeaturing Pella Windows

email:[email protected]


Public Speaking SeminarsFridays/ RSVP today: spoke 3700 times

in 12 years - PAID EVENTS.

55 Riverwalk Place, West New York, NJ 07093

Time: 10:15 AM to 12:45 PM FridaysEmail [email protected] for details

201-933-5235 Private sessions also available!

Your investment: $40.00 pre-paid ($80.00 at the door)

RSVP TODAY 12 PARTICIPANTS ONLY

*Learn how to speak more, better and get paid to speak - anyplace, anywhere, anytime -- I spoke 3700 times in 12 years for a fee - you can too -- I will show you how I did it -- speaking effectively is the #1 way to grow professionally and personally, period.

Ted Fattoross Founder and CEO

www.joinnetworkplus.com/mc/page.do?sitePageId

SCHOOLS/YOUTH/EDUCATION: www.TedSpeak.com

Corporate Speaker: www.TedSpeak.com

Wellness / nutrition – seeks enthusiastic individuals who

enjoy people – work from home computer necessary, flex hoursGreat PT/FT income potential

– benefits when qualified

Future of Health Care, Inc. work from home PT/

FT computer necessary, flex hours, 500+ per week

+benefits when qualified

201-933-5235

Open Everyday including SUNDAY

Mon, Wed, & Fri: 10-6pTues & Thurs: 10-8p

Sat: 9-5p ~ Sun: 11-3p montclairbikery.net

• bike accessories helmets & jerseys

• over 200 bikes in stock, including: Trek,

Specialized, & Colnago• Triathalon bikes & wet suits• 1 year FREE SERVICE on all

bike purchases• Scheduled deliveries

145 Valley Rd. • Montclair973-744-7252


IncreAse Your BusIness ProfIts 15% effortLessLYFind out how you can increase

profits and become more organized in your business

For a FREE 30 minute consultation call:

973-276-0650

Advanced Certified Quick Books Pro Consultants

Whether you’re a beginner or longtime hobbyist, learn the latest

information about feeding wild birds at your backyard feeders.

Yearly DISCOUNT CARD available for all attendees

FREE BAG of bird seed to all attendees of the seminar

FREE refreshments • FREE door prizes!

FREEWILD BIRD

FEEDING

SEMINARFeature Speaker:

HOLLACE HOFFMAN,

Former Director of Trailside Natur

e & Science Center

The leader at the feeder®Wild Bird Food

®

10% OFF ALL BIRDSEED20% OFF ALL BIRDFEEDERS

Many Feeders Now On Display!

Sat., March 1st, 2008

at Strawberry Blossom 1pm

Sun., March 2nd, 2008

at Ploch’s 1pm

Strawberry BlossomHOME & GARDEN CENTER1364 Rt. 23 North, Wayne5 minutes from Willowbrook Mall

www.strawberryblossom.com973.694.7500

Ploch'sHOME & GARDEN CENTER1172 Broad Street, Clifton

at Allwood Rd. & Route 3www.plochs.com973.471.5555

Show your special someone how much you care this Valentine’s Day. Surpriseand delight her with one of our beautifully designed floral arrangements,

fresh-cut flowers or colorful bouquets and flowering house plants.

LOCAL DELIVERY AVAILABLE

Both Locationsopen late Monday, 13th & Tuesday, 14th

Deliveries Available

Treat Your Special Love with Style!

WatchFor Our

UpcomingWater Garden

Seminar

“Chocolate Kiss Contest”Stop in one of our two locations

and enter our“Guess How Many Hershey Kisses”

ContestNo Purchase Necessary. One winner in each location

Win $100 Gift CertificateGood at either location.

Contest ends on Thurs., Feb. 14thWinner will be notified Feb. 15th Flowers

SentWorldwide

“Orchid SessionWith Thesie”

Saturday, February 23rd 1:00pmStrawberry Location Only

An informative session on how to carefor your Orchid. Helpful tips on repotting and general care on a variety of orchids.

Reservations Recomended/Not Required

Want To Get Married?What are you waiting for?

Call JUST MARRIED!Make an appointment or walk-in!

We make getting married easy!Want to get married fast?

Don’t want to wait to for a judge or major?We can have you married in three days!

Or if you already have your license, we’ll marry you on the spot!JUST MARRIED! is the only private location in NJ

where you can get married on the spot!Only $199, in-office Monday - Friday

175 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, NJ 07245 | Building #2 justmarriednj.com | 201.657.5757 Cash or Credit Cards accepted.

Wellness / nutrition – seeks enthusiastic individuals who

enjoy people – work from home computer necessary, flex hoursGreat PT/FT income potential

– benefits when qualified

Future of Health Care, Inc. work from home PT/

FT computer necessary, flex hours, 500+ per week

+benefits when qualified

201-933-5235


Tel. 888-440-4490

For Immediate Service:973-699-7212

website: www.aaarainbowpainting.com

WE ACCEPT VISA & MASTERCARD

Carpentry

Stain WorkS

poWerWaShing

Sheet roCk inStallation & repair

deCk preServation

Wallpaper removal & inStallation

interior & exterior painting

Fully InsuredFree Estimates


Globe Motor Car Co.For Nearly 40 YearsYour Business MeansThe World to Us. Globe

MOTOR CAR CO.W W W . G L O B E M O T O R C A R . C O M

1230 Bloomfield AvenueFairfield, New Jersey

973.227.3600

Orders received after February 8, 2008 may not arrive by February 14, 2008. Limited quantities available on a first come first served basis. Artwork for illustrational purposes only. Not responsible for typographic errors. All offers subject to change without notice.

This Valentine’s Day, give yourself a big hug.

(or someone else)

Drive aMercedes-Benz

from Globeand give

yourself a hug.

BRING IN THIS AD and

buy or lease a Mercedes-Benz

on or before February 14th

and we will send a genuine 14”

Mercedes-Benz Teddy Bear to anyone you choose.

All new 2008 C-Class

GLOBEMOTORCAR.COMFor the best Mercedes-Benz address, click Globe

MOTOR CAR CO.

GoinG GreenWelcome to our February 2008 issue.

We’ve decided to try something different with this issue. This month our print issue is 48 pages and our online issue is much larger. We’re hoping that “Green Conscious” readers will subscribe to our online version and help us do more to take care of the environment

in 2008. i

We already do the following:We allow all our employees to work from home, usually 4 days per week.

We have been using Solar Power for three years.i

Our goal is to get 20,000 online subscribers, to go with our 60,000 print readers. This will allow us to print fewer pages and save trees.

Will you help?

Log onto www.NJLifeandLeisure.com and subscribe today. (it’s free and it’s Green!)


Vincent Russo Jr. - Designer/OwnerGuy Russo - Expeditor

Steven Contaldi - Coordinator

Modern Trend Kitchens & Baths, Inc.

480 BlOOmField avenue

Caldwell, nJ 07006(973) 228-4224

Fax (973) 228-5041

18B main street

madisOn, nJ 07940(973) 966-6888

“Family Owned Business”

Please Tell Them You Saw Their

Ad in NJ Life & Leisure


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