I FOUND A TREASURE

One of the places I frequent is the Health Shoppe in Morristown, a pillar of the city, and hopefully, a future NJ Greats profile. While shopping for organic and gluten free treats, I found a table of the most interesting and beautiful jewelry.  I was greeted warmly as I could not take my eyes off earrings fabulous bracelets, gold and silver blends (love mixed metals) and great fabrics.  Many pieces had a vintage flair. I had to ask more.

Lauren Cohen introduces herself, family owns the Health Shoppe and she owns Lulu Belle’s Little Treasures. The name intrigued me. I commented on the uniqueness of the pieces. She detailed each designer. I loved the each story. But, by far, Lauren’s is the best. Growing up, one of her favorite things was her grandmother’s jewelry box. She would spend her time admiring and modeling all of her treasures. Little did she know right there, she was scripting her future. Educated in the mental health field, Lauren decided to follow her passion, and after just a few minutes with her and the collection, its evident she made the right decision.

One collection that caught my eye was Joolz Hayworth, out of California. The large bracelets with multiple-panel designs were so unique. Lauren commented that they draw compliments. The blue caught my eye and I made a purchase, along with some resin earrings for my daughters and a beautiful necklace.

                                   

 Her mixed metals line, Jillery by Jill Fagin is New York City based and made completely out of recycled gold and silver aluminum. The pieces are very light weight, yet carry heavy impact. They never tarnish, are hypoallergenic, and are reasonably priced. I helped myself to a great pair of earrings. I soon learned of Laurens talent in design and eye for style. She showed me her latest treasure, a collaborative effort with jeweler Noel Grabow. Gorgeous vintage leather watches bands that can be sold solo or adorned with jewels.

 I love them, so different and trendy.

She also let me in on a new spiritual based line, “Mali and Michelle”, she will be adding to her collection. This line includes beautiful hamsehs, evil eyes, and vivid floral pieces. Lauren was particularly moved by this line.

 If you are wondering where to find these amazing Treasures, Lauren will be doing two shows this holiday season. The first is this Friday, November 25 at The Health Shoppe in Morristown from 11-7, with a special 10% off of all purchases. The second is November 29^th at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills from 9-6.  Please check out her beautiful creations. She is also at the Health Shoppe Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Lauren is also available to do private in-home parties. She is flexible and will tailor make the theme to suit not only the hostess, but the guest’s needs. Oh and by the way, she was right. EVERY time I wear the Joolz Hayworth bracelet, I get tons of compliments.

Lulubellejewel@gmail.com

Visit her Etsy store

5050 BURPEES IN 100 DAYS...WHY I DID IT& WHAT I LEARNED FROM IT

WHY I DID IT

I really had no idea what I was getting into back in August. I was reading Pam Kramer; @pamelmkramer, tweeting  about a burpee challenge. It sounded fun, and, after finding out in January that I have some cartilage issues in my hip, what better way to strengthen the hip flexors and prove the doctors wrong; that I can in fact train like I want to.

My fitness regime was stalled. One doctor told me to stop all activity and my trainer said she wouldn’t come near me until I got some rehab. I already lost strength and shape, so what else could I possibly have to lose. And it was only 100 days.

After tweeting with @pamelamkramer about different crossfit work outs, I have come to respect her and figured, if she’s got something to do with this, then I want something to do with it. So I did.

WHAT I LEARNED FROM IT

By day 60, my shoulders, triceps and trapezius muscles had toned nicely, my posture improved. By day 80, I was leaner, and was able to do more burpees in less time. However, I did stop all weight training as soreness every night was tough, and I wanted to be ready every morning to hit it. It had become clear that body weight training was not only convenient, it was effective.

About the same time, I learned that to complete the challenge, I had to do 100 burpees consecutively, record myself doing them and post it to the web. Right then and there, I considered dropping out. I was doing burpees as a circuit, maybe 10-15 at a time, along with abdominal work, steps, medicine ball reps; didn’t think I could bang them out at once. Then, to post it, publicly, oh I could never do that. I over came that fear ( along with some tech support from my son), and day 100 I completed 100 burpees in 19 minutes and 28 seconds; my fastest recorded time. The athlete in me still thrives, and the competitive spirit flows in my blood. For the record, I turned 42 days before day 100 and thought it would be a great way to mark the milestone. Some go out to celebrate, party, indulge. I did 100 burpees.

But by far, what had the greatest impact on me was that discipline and determination that still drives me. Many times in the past, when someone told me I couldn’t do something, I just didn’t. Realizing my potential, at a deficit, and a bit older, and a long way from the world of competition,  has a lot more meaning than when I was in high school or college. Now my kids are watching. More is caught, than taught, and if one of them understands what I did, it was well worth it.

Thank you Pam, Amanda @beeacutie2 and Sara @mamasarahjane. Your friendship and support made this such an adventure.

Special thank you to my kids, I could not have done this with out you, and it was fun when I got to do it with you!

To my husband, you are a daily example of strength and determination; you inspire me; you are my hero.

On to the next challenge.

LUXURY LIVING IN NEW JERSEY

Imagine a luxury hotel, top accommodations, decorated to your taste, breakfast and newspaper waiting for you after a workout in a top facility, a boardroom available for all media and corporate needs, and a concierge at your service. Now, imagine if this was the place you call home. It is not a dream it is the reality of AVE.  Located on Morris Avenue in Union, AVE is a beautiful customized residential community, an alternative to extended hotel stays or short term apartment living. And we had an opportunity to check out this amazing place.

Walking into the lobby, I was promptly greeted and invited to wait in a brightly decorated common area. Coffee and newspapers were available along with a beautiful view of the courtyard, complete with pool fire pit, patio and lush greenery. Wait, was I really on Morris Avenue??

Shortly after, I had the privilege of meeting Tracy Casale, Senior Resident Representative and Marketing Director Amy Barricelli. They explained the theory behind AVE, the client base they serve and the endless accommodations they provide. The concept is brilliant. As we spoke, a young woman with two children stopped in for a fresh cup of coffee and a quick hello. I was told they were an international family staying while Dad trains for a new job. Tracy explained that they were not only greeted upon their very long trip to the US, their suite was filled with groceries, and a list of schools and churches were provided to help them acclimate quickly. Having a great relationship with the local Chamber of Commerce, Tracy can access a wealth of information to make her guests feel more at home, than away.

They also cater to the part-time resident, who may reside else where. AVE not only provides custom accommodations but upkeep of such in the client’s absence. Everything from designed closet organizers to maintained parking and security system, maps and connections to all local entertainment, restaurants, transportation and events is available and made convenient at AVE. They also host several in house events, including pot-luck dinners and movie nights, both in and outdoors.

Next, I was treated to a tour. The layout of the suite was just perfect. Beautifully decorated, this particular one was done in dark wood an earth tones, each bedroom had a spacious full bathroom attached, granite counter tops in the kitchen, washer & dryer located just off the bedrooms and a spacious living area with a nice view of the courtyard. While discussing the concierge services, my mind went back to a condominium community I had stayed in recently in Colorado. The deal was sealed, definitely not on Morris Avenue anymore, even Toto knew it

I highly recommend visiting AVE. Tracy and the staff are not only making folks feel at home, they are making a difference in their lives.

AVE 

1070 Morris Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

877 AVE 0246

THERE IS NO PLACE ON EARTH QUITE LIKE THE JERSEY SHORE

 Well, we just got home from a weekend at the Jersey Shore. Seeing how different the beach is since Hurricane Irene blew in, I have decided to honor one of my favorite places, highlighting  a book that makes going to the beach, going “down the shore”.

Laura Scarpa Toombs has written a great little book called “Beach Rules”. After spending 48 summers at the Jersey shore; summers filled with conversations, observations and proclamations, she is an expert on beach behavior. Not to mention, royalty in my eyes as her family owned and operated Playland, located on the corners of Haddonfield and Brynmawr Aves in Lavallette ( but we are saving that great story for another post).  Having witnessed everything from people in alcoholic stupors, locals fighting with folks “not from here”, to being chased down the beach at plastic- knife point, she was asked by good friend Lisa Visconti “Why don’t you write a book ?”   So, she did.

Beach Rules is a quick run down of the do’s and don’t of beach etiquette, laced with humor, a touch of sarcasm and a healthy dose of truth. I  am of a “certain age” as she describes in the book and can totally  relate to just about everything she says, including the empty ride home, from exit 98 back up north to exit 145 ( sadly until I was 15 I usually cried most of the way).

Aside from advice not to feed the seagulls or the reality of personal grooming in the surf, Laura really hits home with the unspoken connections of shore friends and the freedom of an outside shower ( have to use one to experience this, there are no words).  She makes it clear that real Jersey shore folks are nothing like what is portrayed in reality TV, but mistake not the “vibe” that is only given off in this community. Along with Playland, Laura’s family also made famous, the Sugar Shack in Ortley Beach and Fred’s Peds, a moped rental; absolute Jersey shore gold standard.

Please don’t be put off if you have never visited this part of the shore, or if coastal living is not your idea of paradise. This book is really about people. People who make up a community,  the bonds of friendship and the activities and events that make up a life time of memories, some so vivid and real that when one brings up the juke box at Playland, with out missing a beat, Laura can tell you that B6 was the song “Good Lovin Gone Bad” by Bad Company.

I really enjoyed reminiscing summers that have gone by, laughing about things and realizing just how small the world is, when you spend your summers “down the shore”.

Please take a minute and visit Laura’s Facebook page and most importantly, read the book. It is a quick uplifting read guaranteed to please.

Beach Rules is available at Amazon.com

Beach Rules on Facebook

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH

I chose to write this to honor those who gave their lives on a day that changed our country forever.

While there are great holes left in so many lives, and great sadness in many hearts, there is a message of hope left behind in the ashes of that September day.

The visual memory of the flag flying, reminiscent of soldiers who gave their lives to fight for freedom in the wars of our country's history brings tears to my eyes, every time I see it; our flag will fly proudly.

The hundreds of firemen, police, rescue workers and volunteers who selflessly ran into the hull of danger, while thousands were running out; we are the home of the brave.

The incredible fearless passengers on flight 93, successfully thwarting an evil plot, again selflessly giving their lives to save others; everyone of them a hero.

Hospitals make shift triage centers grief counselors and shelters opened their doors to help anyone on that day and days to follow to find answers; we are the land of the free.

Thousands of churches and worship centers gathered all who needed relief and prayed and ministered to so many; God blesses America

Seeing this country come together, hearing folks singing our nations anthem, saluting the flag proudly, supporting our military and genuinely caring for others is so inspirational. I am proud to be an American and to have the privilege to raise a family here.

I love and pray for those that defend this nation and stare down the enemy every day so my kids can lay their heads on their pillows and sleep safe every night.

I will always look back on September 11^th as a day that changed our nation forever, but I will continue to look forward to the stories of hope that still rise from the ashes from that day.

Please listen to this beautiful song a beautiful person shared with me recently. I believe it captures this sentiment.

Gungor Beautiful Things

 http://youtu.be/OR7VOKQ0xJY

STORM CHASING IN NEW JERSEY

Who would ever believe they could actually drive into a down draft of a tornado on Rte 24 in Chester, NJ? Certainly not Victoria Backle, founder of MCOM United Storm Chasers. Inspired by weather books at the age of 6, she has dreamed of becoming a storm chaser her entire life. Her goal is to be enrolled in University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology, the best in the country in the next year.

Meanwhile, on an overcast April 28, 2011, Vicky was sitting in her office in Morristown when her weather defender program, displayed the ominous TVS; Tornado Vortex Signature on the screen, over-come with exhilaration, Vicky ran out the door jumped in her car and realized her first ever storm chasing experience was happening in her backyard!

Just a few miles down the road somewhere where Mendham ends and Chester begins, she was lost in a sea of break lights and impending darkness. Even more excited she kept driving as her car swayed and she felt like she was “driving under a waterfall”. A tiny wave of fear washed over her as the lightening seemed to be right outside her door. Finally she pulled over, rolled down the window and scanned the sky. The overcast clouds had returned, the raging storm was gone, she thought..” I was just sideswiped by a dangerous storm”. Her mind was racing as she returned to work, realizing later, she drove through a “downdraft” This is a roll-off of a cumulus cloud, combining a multitude of rain and powerful wind, that moves outward from the storm and weakens as it moves.

As I spoke with Vicky about this experience, I was moved by her passion for storm chasing, “this was and always will be my first ever storm chasing experience”. She loved that it was so close to home and considers it a “preview” for what is to come. When I asked her if she ever thought she would see a tornado in New Jersey, she replied with an emphatic “No”. She was very moved by the recent storm damage across the south, describing Alabama as a “catastrophe”. She expressed feelings of guilt knowing how much damage these dangerous storms cause, while she lives for the excitement of studying and chasing them. But, the optimist she is, finding a silver lining in these overwhelming dark clouds, she plans to help out in recovery efforts as part of MCOM's mission. In case you were wondering, MCOM stands for My Crew Of Misfits.

Victoria was born in Ridgewood and lived in Vernon for most of her life. One year ago she birthed the reality of moving to Tornado Alley in the near future to pursue her dream. Our little state here, gave her an experience she will not forget. Thank you Vicky for sharing. Stay in touch so we can follow you chase your dreams.

 Since this interview, Victoria has relocated to Oklahoma, and will begin classes at Oklahoma University.
She has joined forces with Red Cross to bring relief to many storm victims. Njgreats applauds the efforts of many providing evacuation saftey and dry safe shelter to those victimized by Irene this weekend. While some of us were spared, the flooding and power outages are still plaguing the state.

You can find Victoria and MCOMUnited

on Facebook and 

www.mcomunitedstormchasers.blogspot.com

and Twitter @mcomchasers

KEEPSAKE FROM THE REAL JERSEY SHORE

THE JERSEY SHORE BRACELET

On a beautiful summer afternoon, I had the privilege to meet Anthony and Katie Marsala at my favorite coffee place at the Jersey Shore, RocknJoes in Point Pleasant Beach. A few months earlier, I found the Jersey Shore Bracelet on Twitter and knew I had found something special. Having nothing to do with reality shows, Katie, born and raised Jersey girl, came up with the idea after getting a Cape Cod Denis bracelet. This coveted piece of jewelry has local prestige, and was recognized everywhere in New England as the “in” piece of jewelry. Searching her heart, Katie and husband Anthony created a piece of jewelry unique to the beaches she grew up on. 

When visiting New Jersey beaches in late fall and winter, there are noticeable striations in the sand made by the atlantic crosswinds . This cross –hatching pattern is the inspiration for the beautiful Jersey Shore Bracelet. 

 The design is available in sterling silver, sterling with gold tips and gold dipped silver. It looks absolutely beautiful on, and the clean lines make it stackable.   What gives the concept more local flare is Katie’s childhood summers were spent selling Lemonade on the very streets she now resides on with Long Island native (won over by the Jersey Shore) and supporting husband Anthony. Married for three years, they both are Physical Therapists and share a creative passion that led to the creation of this lasting keepsake. One morning in 2010, walking out of church, Katie came up with the idea. A little divine intervention, one might say, led to the website launch in late November of that year. www.jerseyshorebracelet.com

My time with Katie and Anthony was inspiring. I love watching people chase their dreams, but was moved by their strong desire to give back. The week before, they participated in a fundraiser for Covenant House at the beautiful Normandy Inn . As a matter of fact, they are donating proceeds from all July sales to Covenant House.  sounds like an opportunity for early Christmas shopping. They also had the opportunity to participate in the premier summer kick off event at Jenkinsons Memorial Day event and are avid supporters of Childrens Specialized Hospital, where Katie is on staff.

I have to say I am thrilled to own this beautiful bracelet, and honored to be a part of the Jersey Shore Bracelet family. Katie and Anthony are genuinely great people who are making a lasting impression in New Jersey in a beautiful way. Please visit their website to see all of the pieces and like them on Facebook too.