Sell, refurbish and donate your no longer wanted or needed items
By Sue Baldani
Facebook Marketplace and other websites/apps
From clothing and furniture to games, sports equipment and more, posting items on Marketplace is an easy way to rid yourself of unwanted and unneeded merchandise, make money and create more space in your home, garage or yard. Sites like Poshmark and Vestiaire Collective are also great avenues to provide cash (or an economical way to change up your wardrobe.)
Consignment shops
These are not the thrift stores you remember from years past. Many will buy everything from Gap t-shirts and jeans to high couture evening gowns, shoes and purses. When something sells, you’ll get a percentage of the proceeds.
Repurpose, refinish and resell
If you’re handy, building furniture from cast off wood, or sanding and staining old but sturdy pieces of furniture found in an attic or at a garage sale can be a one-time money maker or a new source of income. Buyers are often looking for something unique to display in their homes or businesses.
Garage/yard/estate sales
Have people come to you and browse through your and your family’s no longer needed or wanted items. For a successful event, clean merchandise, organize similar items on tables and other tidy display surfaces, and have everything priced for a quick sale.
Donating to local charities
While this option won’t generate cash, donating pays in other ways. It provides the joy and satisfaction of knowing other people who are less fortunate are able to obtain much-wanted items for themselves, their families and even their pets.
Written for Franklin Lifestyle magazine in Tennessee.
Full of intrigue, “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley takes you on a journey of suspense with an eclectic group of characters who rotate in the narrator role. And, just when you think you have it all figured out, it takes another twist.
When Jess leaves England in a hurry with basically no money in her pocket, she turns to her half-brother Ben, an investigative reporter now living in Paris, to give her shelter. He agrees, albeit reluctantly, but when she shows up, he is nowhere to be found.
After picking the locks, a skill she developed early in life, she wanders around Ben’s apartment with a sense of bafflement. How could he afford such an extravagant place to live, and in this very expensive part of town? It’s not like he makes a lot of money, and they don’t have any parents to turn to for help.
Although the apartment is beautiful, the building itself gives off an ominous vibe. The caretaker hovers about in the shadows, always listening, and its occupants seem to be hiding a fair share of secrets. But, do any of these secrets have to do with her brother’s disappearance? Or, is he missing because he stumbled upon some outside information that put him in danger?
As Jess starts doing some investigating of her own, she stumbles upon a hidden stairway that let’s her peak into the neighbors privates lives, and soon realizes things are not what they seem. She also starts to believe that she has put herself in the path of a ruthless individual.
A New York Times best-selling author, Lucy Foley has written five novels including “The Guest List” and “The Hunting Party.” After studying English literature at Durham University and the University College of London, and working for several years in the publishing industry, she now lives in London and enjoys writing tales of fiction.
Written for The Felixstowe Magazine in London, England.
An artist healing herself and others through music
By Sue Baldani
While living in her native Minnesota and acting in local theaters, at the age of 21, Laura Osnes won an NBC reality TV competition and found herself moving to New York City to star on Broadway.
After 15 years of performing on stage in a myriad of acclaimed shows, including those at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, the Tony-nominated star was flying high. When it all came crashing down in 2021, she had to find the fortitude to reinvent herself and discover new outlets for her incredible talent.
“A gossip column published a narrative that caused me to face cancel-culture,” she says. “It was a painful and hurtful time, but it also birthed new art and new relationships.”
In September of 2021, Laura and her husband, Nathan Johnson, whom she met in Minnesota and has been married to for 16 years, found sanctuary in Franklin. “What I love about Franklin is that it’s close to Nashville, but there’s also such a peace here,” she says. “We felt welcomed with open arms and it’s a place where people look out for each other.”
She also found a creative way to reflect on the trauma she experienced while at the same time finding hope and joy in what she calls the new season of her life. In October of 2022, Laura released the EP On the Other Side – Part 1, featuring five original songs that are deeply moving and relatable for others who may be going through difficult times.
“At my core, I’m a creative and a storyteller, and when I wasn’t able to do that through the way I had been, songwriting became a beautiful vehicle both for healing and to tell my story in a new way,” she says. “And, I really hope that this music reaches the ears and hearts of those who need to hear it.”
Singing in a commercial contemporary space is very different than singing with a musical theater voice, explains Laura. “It’s been a humbling and exciting challenge for me as an artist to discover a new side to my vocal quality, while still creating a sound that feels authentically me.”
Her songs are available on all major music platforms and through a link in her social media profiles. Part two of the EP, to be released this year, will contain at least another five tracks.
Laura is also showcasing her acting talent again by starring in Shiners, a cirque-style show at the Woolworth Theatre in Nashville. “It’s a comedy and musical spectacular for grownups,” she says. “Country music artist Chuck Wicks created the show and he’s my co-star. We’re having a great time together.”
Laura is also teaching and coaching private students pursuing musical theater, singing and acting. “I’ve been forced to think outside my own box that I had put myself in,” she says. “It’s scary to try new things, but that’s also how we become bigger and better and hopefully reach more people through different ways as an artist.”
LauraOsnes.com, @LauraOsnes
Written for Franklin Lifestyle magazine in Tennessee.
An all-inclusive spa that provides the best in beauty, relaxation, and wellness
By Sue Baldani
An extraordinary experience awaits guests at The Lodge at Woodloch. Located in Hawley, Pennsylvania, it’s a place to refresh and rejuvenate bodies and minds. While there, you’ll feel like you traveled into a whole other world even though it’s a short two-hour car ride away.
“It’s a beautiful area that is so close to major metropolitan areas but where you’re able to really enjoy true nature,” says Brooke Jennings, its director of marketing communications. “There are a ton of waterfalls and since we’re in the lake district of the mountains, there are a lot of wonderful lakes.”
The Lodge at Woodloch is a sister property of Woodloch Family Resort, which opened over 60 years ago. There’s also Woodloch Springs, which has a golf course and guest homes. While the other properties are open to everyone, the Lodge, which is just two miles down the road, is a destination spa that welcomes guests 16 and older.
“Many people often think of spas as being girly, but because we are a destination spa, we really put a lot of thought into designing the building to appeal to everyone,” she says. “It has a lot of Pennsylvania bluestone, rocks and wood, and really blends in with the surroundings of our over 500 acres of woodlands. It feels really cozy and welcoming.”
Many luxurious treatments are offered at this 40,000 square foot spa. “Our signature service is called Rosemary Awakening body treatment, which is amazing and always the most popular,” says Brooke. “It features our signature scent, Rosemary Mint, and combines a body scrub and a massage. Another one that’s really popular is our Blues Be Gone massage. This really helps the adrenal system by flushing out toxins. It’s great after a long flight or to get rid of the doldrums and energize you.”
There are also Swedish massages, body wraps, facials, float therapy, romantic spa treatments for two, a hair and nail salon, and much more. “We also have our aqua garden, which is an indoor pool that features a water wall you can stand underneath,” she says. “When the water falls, that pressure relieves tension in your shoulders. We have an outdoor whirlpool as well, which has views of beautiful fern covered woods.”
Last year the Lodge also unveiled its snow room. “It’s basically contrast therapy, so guests can go in and spend time in the salt sauna, and then afterwards they can do a cool down in the snow room. Norwegians and other cultures have done this for years and it’s extremely good for your heart health and for reducing stress.” Fresh snow is blown in every evening, so it’s always pristine.
Spa treatments are available for people who aren’t overnight guests as well (although guests do get priority scheduling). They are able to use the spa facility which includes the pool and hydro massage, water walls and sauna. “It’s so nice to get your hair done and also have a bit of a spa day,” says Brooke. There’s also a state of the art fitness center and individualized fitness and wellness classes.
In warmer months, guests love kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing on the lake, and bike riding and hikes. “We have over seven miles of nature trails around our property, and in addition, we have outdoor adventures where a guide will take our guests off property to do longer hikes. In colder weather, we still do a lot of hikes, and if it snows, we’ll transition over to snowshoeing,” she says.
“We love that there’s something different every season. People always ask when the best time is to come. I honestly couldn’t say because there’s something new and amazing each season.” Over 35 classes are also offered daily, and guests can choose from a variety of interests such as art, cooking, and wine. There are special presenters every weekend too. It may be a guest author, a wellness expert, an organizational expert, or a career expert.
Since The Lodge at Woodloch is all inclusive, guests receive three meals per day at its Tree Restaurant. “Our spa cuisine is farm to table,” says Brooke. “Our chef team really highlights our own garden on property, and also partners very closely with local farmers to really get as much super hyperlocal, as we like to say, ingredients because the flavor is just so much better. They’ll also take some traditional favorites and, with a few slight ingredient tweaks, make them a lot healthier, while still tasting delicious.”
There are 59 guest rooms, all of which have been completely renovated in the past year. “There are very few properties that have such a small amount of guest rooms, so guests never feel like they’re on top of each other,” she says. “Each guest room has its own private veranda, which is also really unique.”
There are gorgeous views of either its five-acre lake, or the woodlands; there is also a waterfall on the front side of the building. There’s free Wi-Fi, but the public areas of the Lodge are cell-phone free. Of course, guests can use them in their own rooms.
People typically stay for a long weekend, and most travel from the tri-state area, although some come from much farther away. “We were doing a photo shoot a few months ago and somebody had just flown in from the Bahamas,” says Brooke. “We also have a good number of people from California, Texas, Chicago, and Illinois.”
Guests at the Lodge can also take advantage of offerings at the Family Resort. “During the holidays, they have a beautiful horse-drawn carriage that takes people through the woods where there are holiday lights all throughout – it’s so beautiful. So guests can go back and forth between resorts and enjoy the amenities.”
Having a craving for authentic Portuguese and Spanish cuisine? Look no further than Brasa Wood-Fired Grill, which opened in Warren, NJ in March of 2022.
The co-owner and chef, Jason Francisco, is first generation Portuguese American who learned to cook from watching his mother and others cook traditional, flavorful dishes that he now recreates for customers.
“I watched and learned,” he says. “I’m 50 now, and I’ve been doing this since I was 14. We also have a sous chef from Brazil who has helped with many of the Brazilian influences on our menu.” Everything on the menu is made fresh in house.
The chicken and ribs that come off the wood-fired grill are some of the restaurant’s most popular offerings. “The wood fire charcoal imparts a smokiness and a flavor into the food,” says Jason. “It’s also much healthier because we’re not cooking with any oils or grease.” The prime skirt steak is also a huge hit.
The majority of the meats come from a butcher in Newark that services Portuguese and Spanish restaurants. “They butcher everything for us,” he says. “There are big differences in going to a butcher as opposed to buying commercial.”
“Our ‘Big Fat Pork Chop’, as well as our skirt steak and burgers, come from a specialty meat shop in Manhattan’s meat packing district that we’ve been using for about 20 years,” says Rob Olsen, president of Liberty Hospitality and co-owner of the restaurant.
Although Brasa does not have a liquor license, it is an authorized retailer for Unionville Vineyards in New Jersey, so patrons, whether dining in or taking out, can purchase wines to go along with their meals.
Adds Rob, “We also have a sangria bar where there are several different varieties that pair with either red or white wine or sparkling wine that involve fresh juices, fruits, and homemade syrups.”
While there is a small, intimate dining room that can hold up to 50 people and can also be rented out for special events, its takeout option keeps the place hopping. “We dedicated more space than we normally would have to our takeout operation,” says Rob.
When ordering, don’t forget to include an authentic dessert. “Our most popular bakery item is a very traditional Portuguese custard cup,” says Jason. “We carry the traditional flavor and then a couple of other flavor variations.”
Reviews, says Rob, have been great. “Comments about our portion sizes, value, flavor, and the service in our dining room have been very positive.”
Brasa Wood-Fired Grill offers lunch and dinner during the week, and on weekends, adds brunch with some twists to the mix. There’s a Portuguese steak and egg combo with an authentic, flavorful sauce. “There’s another brunch dish called Hangover Home Fries,” says Rob. “It’s home fries with a choice of meat, chipotle aioli and two fried eggs.” Delicious!
Catering is also available, and you can order delivery by visiting its website. To place an order, learn more and to see the full menu, go to https://brasawarren.com/.
Written for The Showcase Magazine in Warren, New Jersey.
Take an evening stroll through an unforgettable multi-sensory experience
By Sue Baldani
Grounds for Sculpture, with its lovely gardens, whimsical and classic pieces of art, unique exhibitions, and renowned restaurant and modern café, is a much-loved destination for people of all ages. Of course, its most bustling times are when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, but that may be changing.
There’s now an opportunity to put on that winter gear and head out after hours for an incredible display of artistic pageantry. Due to its popularity, Night Forms: Infinite Wave, is back for its second year. “This year, we’ve created a breadcrumb trail of light that kind of moves you through the space,” says Executive Director, Gary Garrido Schneider. “It’s designed to be immersive, and like the rest of Grounds for Sculpture, a little playful.”
By partnering with Klip Collective, which pioneered the process of creating evening landscapes through lighting, sound, and video-projection mapping, the exhibition provides a multi-sensory light and sound experience. Lights and images become one with the sculptures, trees, and other flora, lighting up the objects while accompanied by music that strobes and flashes along with the lightshow at just the right intervals. Other installations are quieter and calming, encouraging guests to stop and relax for a while.
“There’s definitely a start and end for each work, and you can follow that flow of the artist where there is a kind of story from each piece, so as you move from one piece to the other, emotions build over time,” says Gary. This year, there’s also a digital guide which provides more information about the works that guests can access on their phones.
Some of the installations even offer viewers the opportunity to become part of the show, causing a ripple effect that manifests across the display. Once the person leaves, it reverts back to its original lights and music programming. Other fun installations allow you to manipulate the lights and sounds yourself. Unlike at many artistic venues, here guests are encouraged to touch and interact with the incredible works on display.
“A big part of Grounds for Sculpture is making art approachable to all and breaking down barriers,” he says. “You can approach it on your own terms, whether you’re a child or an adult.”
Growing up, Chelsea Chan always had pets, so when it came time to choose a career, she knew she wanted one that involved animals. For almost 10 years, she worked for PetMinders, Inc. in every capacity from office work to tending to their furry clients. When the owner decided to sell last August, it was only natural for Chelsea to take over the business, which she rebranded PetMinders NJ.
“I’ve always loved animals,” she says. “When I first found this job opportunity, it was right up my alley.”
There are many advantages to having pets taken care of in their own homes, she explains. “They’re in their own environment, and they’re familiar with the smells and everything around them. Especially once they get older, it becomes more challenging to board them. It’s definitely safer and less stressful to be home.”
Chelsea and her team also follow pets’ natural routines. “If they’re used to going in the backyard or if they’re used to going for walks, we do everything they normally do with their owners,” she says. Visits normally take place three times a day (but can be more or less) and a standard visit usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. In addition to walking, feeding and playing with pets, or just sitting with them to keep them company, she and her team can give medications and transport them for grooming or a veterinarian visit, if necessary.
Most of the animals they care for are dogs and cats, but they also often handle guinea pigs, rabbits and birds. They get requests to care for reptiles and fish, and even chickens and goats, depending on the location, as well. Based in Warren, PetMinders NJ covers towns within a 10 mile radius including Watchung, Green Brook, Middlesex, Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Berkeley Heights and more.
When owners are away from home for longer periods of time, Chelsea and her staff will also bring in packages, water plants, and turn lights on and off so it appears someone is home. “Sometimes people call us just for house visits; they might not even need animal care,” she says.
Everyone on her staff, she says, loves animals. “They are fully vetted upon being hired, but the other main things we’re looking at are how they treat animals and if they have experience with animals. They’re also trained before they go out on their own.”
If one team member is not available, another member will take his or her place. “We have a full staff, and work 365 days a year, including all holidays,” says Chelsea. “Everyone is an actual employee, and has been with us for many years.”
Today, Chelsea continues to have a menagerie of pets at home. She and her husband, Larry, live in Warren and have two dachshunds, one cat, two guinea pigs, and two aquariums. And, the family is about to expand. “We’re actually expecting our first baby girl in March!” she says.
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary is gearing up to host another amazing Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 23, 2023. To help make this annual get-together even more fun and exciting, donations are being collected for gift baskets that will be auctioned off during the event.
Only new items will be accepted, and no shoes, clothing or stuffed animals are needed. Please consider donating items for inclusion in the following themed basket prizes: Baking – Gardening – Sports – Pets – Health – Children – Scrapbooking – Coffee/Tea – Comic Book – Arts and Crafts – Italian Dinner – Games – Vacation – and Crazy Socks. Baskets and ribbon would also be very much appreciated.
The Auxiliary will be collecting donations on the following dates and times at the Rescue Squad building at 1916 Bartle Avenue:
Every Tuesday in March (7th;14th; 21st and 28th) from 7pm – 9pm
Every Friday in March (3rd; 10th; 17th; 24th and 31st) from 7pm – 9pm
Every Saturday in March (4th; 11th; 18th and 25th) from 10am – 2pm
Thank you for your support!
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary meets once a month, and its grass roots function is to assist the Squad in many capacities – from holding fundraisers and providing meals during crises to performing outreach to squad and fellow auxiliary members. Members also attend town functions, such as fairs, concerts and holiday events, in order to connect with the community and promote Squad interests.
This school gets an A+ in every area of student development
By Sue Baldani
At the prestigious Morristown Beard School (MBS) in Morristown, academic excellence is a huge focus for its 6th through 12th grade students, but that’s only part of its mission. A place of possibilities, MBS strives to give students a sense of community and belonging with an emphasis on balance between academic goals and personal achievement.
Tahj Valentine, a 2018 graduate of MBS who grew up in Morristown, is now the Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at the school. He has had the unique opportunity of experiencing all that MBS has to offer from both sides of the desk.
As an elementary school student, Tahj would often accompany his brother to campus for football and basketball practice. From the very beginning, he was always made to feel a part of the school community. “I didn’t know it, but I was already being brought into the family.” (His father also attended MBS). As a faculty member since this past fall, he now has a chance to foster this feeling of belonging in others.
Senior Skylar Reale appreciates this welcoming culture. “Coming into the school [as a freshman], I was shy, but all the kids here, no matter what grade, were very welcoming,” she says.
An athlete, Skylar also enjoys the sports opportunities offered by the private school, which also facilitates friendships. “When I started field hockey, all the new kids came together, and the upperclassmen made sure they introduced themselves to us no matter if we were on varsity or junior varsity,” she says.
Skylar also plays basketball and lacrosse, and was already an elite gymnast prior to enrollment. Being able to participate in different sports at MBS helped her discover that she loved playing team sports as well.
“MBS encourages students to try new things and not be afraid to fail. The school believes this is true learning, builds character, and helps them develop skills for life,” says Head of School, Liz Morrison. “Students succeed because they are supported – there is always someone beside them on their journey who will give them the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.”
Something else Skylar loves is the availability of interesting and unique elective classes. “I don’t know if Glass Design is offered anywhere else,” she says. “I’ve taken it for two years in our Center for Innovation & Design and this is going to be my third year. When the projects are done, they’re just so pretty to have at home.”
This year, she’s also taking a class in criminology. “I just love this topic and learning all the details about it,” says Skylar. “Having these types of classes, just like sports, is going to help me in my future.”
Having a good balance is very important at MBS. “It has been at the heart of our philosophy for decades,” says Liz. “Alumni still credit the school for allowing them the time and support to find and pursue their individual passions — to try new things in addition to focusing on academics.”
When Tahj started at Morristown Beard School as a freshman, he had a free period and the ability to go outside and walk around the School’s 22-acre campus. “It teaches you how to manage your free time,” he says. “You have that freedom of being able to either socialize with your friends or the ability to go see teachers for extra help or collaborate with classmates on a group project—just like college.
“When I first got to MBS, I probably didn’t manage my free time so well, but come sophomore year, that’s when I started to understand the importance of time management and how you have to balance things in life.”
This free time also allows students who need help with study skills to take advantage of the Center for Teacher & Learning. “It’s a quiet place to go with knowledgeable teachers where you can have a one-on-one conversation,” says Skylar. “The support is great and I like that we get to really know each other.”
She adds, “I love MBS because it helped me break out of my shell, become social, and try new things.
To learn more about Morristown Beard School and how it can help your children succeed, go to https://www.mbs.net/.
Written for Morris City Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.
Enhance the delectable flavors of chocolate and wine
By Sue Baldani
If you want to delight your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, give them a gift of premium chocolates. To really make an impression, pair those with the right bottle of wine.
As with savory foods, certain wines can bring out the flavors of chocolate in a most extraordinary way. Since there are many different varieties of chocolate – milk, dark, and white – and many types of wines, there are certain important criteria to follow to ensure that you enhance both flavors, and not overwhelm or dilute them. To save you the time of taste testing and matching on your own (although that would be enjoyable), wine and chocolate experts have already done the work for you.
For instance, they have found that for a delicately flavored milk chocolate, a heavy full-bodied red will eradicate its subtle flavors. Or, for an intensely flavored chocolate, such as a bitter dark chocolate, the delicate flavors of a light white wine will be overshadowed.
It’s also important to match the sweetness of the wine with the sugar content of the chocolate. Dark chocolate is best paired with drier wines, while white and milk chocolate should be served with sweeter wines. These will enhance the flavors of both instead of competing against each other. And it’s always better to go a step up in sweetness than a level down.
While Valentine’s Day often calls for Champagne, it’s best to abstain while consuming chocolate. Although delicious, its dry and astringent nature doesn’t pair well with the confection.
Dark chocolate
There are many varieties of dark chocolate from slightly bitter to very bitter. That has to be taken into account when selecting the best pairing since both dark chocolate and wine contain tannins, and the intense concentration of these on the palate would not be favorable. So, be sure to pair a high-percentage cocoa chocolate with a more full-bodied wine such as a Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Grenache or Malbec. A nice vintage port would also work well.
Milk chocolate
Made from less cacao but with a high amount of sugar, milk chocolate is a favorite among many chocolate aficionados and much easier to pair with a wide variety of wines since the milk content makes it milder.
Lighter, fruitier wines and reds with a lower alcohol content pair well, as do fortified wines like Muscat or Tokay. A Lambrusco, Riesling, Moscato Noir, and other aged reds also work. A ruby port would be a nice complement too.
White chocolate
While not technically a “true chocolate,” it’s still a favorite of many. Made from cocoa butter, a high concentration of sugar and cream, white chocolate is delectably sweet and due to the cream, high in fat. It’s this fat that brings out the flavors and notes of a sweet wine.
Wines such as a Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and a Moscato d’Asti pair nicely. A rosé port is also a nice accompaniment to this type of chocolate.
Flavored chocolate
When choosing the best pairings, it’s important to factor in what other ingredients are in the chocolate, such as nuts, fruit and caramels. Most aged sparkling reds pair very well with flavored chocolates.
For a dark raspberry, a good choice would be a Cabernet, while a dark orange would be nice with a Botrytis Semillon. Pair a citrus-infused white chocolate with a Sauvignon Blanc and a hazelnut chocolate with a Brachetto d’Acqui for a flavorful and delicious combination.
Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.
Something So Write 