Finding passion in what you do, makes your world a whole lot happier.

When it comes to wine, this lady knows her stuff. Lourdes is experienced and knowledgeable and loves her wine.  Her palette is pretty refined and she can talk you in, around and through the best bottles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are expensive. 

 I asked her how she started her business. She responded with a giggle and then replied “ by accident, actually” 

She got her start studying French language and literature at the University of Maryland, then she set off to France to study, that’s when she knew. Coming back  when the recession was in full swing, she happened to come upon employment at Madame Claude’s Bistro in Jersey City. They offered some favorite wines, she began to get more excited and influenced by owners Alice Troietto and Mattias Gustafsson. (She refers to them as her mother and father of wine). Madame Claude Wines opened in 2010 as one of the first “wine boutiques” and they loved to share wines and educate their customers.

She worked, and managed the specialty wine shop while she started her training at the International Wine Center in NYC.  She spent the next 4-5 years educating her way through the beginner, advanced level and she’s now a Level 3 Certified Wine & Spirits specialist through WSET.

Recently I got the opportunity to speak with Ron Bevacqua, Owner of Pillar Construction. 

I was lucky enough to catch him while he was in route from one job site to another. My first attempt at contacting him, he couldn’t pick up because he was on the roof mid day 90* temps in the middle of August. He apologized and all I could think was, wow that’s dedication. I was probably sitting behind my computer in the A/C. He was open to giving me a little background of his business. In the early 80's he worked for his father's family drywall business. In 1993, he and his brother went onto form Pillar Construction. Their reputation of being the best drywall company earned them an amazing reputation and they became Pillar Drywall, Inc. At the time the new construction was booming, he contracted with new home developers, builders, and commercial properties. This was a critical step, and when he was finished, the next phase of the construction was continued by the painting contractor and so forth until the project was finished.

 In 2008 things went south as the economy was suffering, new construction pretty much came to a complete halt. Many other contractors found themselves...

Hamburg, NJ; a quaint little town the Wallkill River runs through. Mostly known currently for the Golf Courses and Crystal Springs resort, the Gingerbread Castle brings memories forward in remembering days gone by. Wilcox Press, originally owned by the Wilcox Family nearly a century ago, still stands proud and still functions as a printing company on Main Street. Jodi Palmasano is now the present owner, and only the fourth since it's conception. Her parents purchased it when she was a teen and have since passed it down to her. Growing up she was always amazed at how the whole process was done. It was like some sort of magic, the creativity made it the natural fit for her to continue on after her parents. 

Originally it was Stephanie who started with her creative floral business and before they knew it, Jesse joined in to manage while Stephanie designed. They took a plunge and started as a Wedding & Specialty Event Floral Designer and Retail Florist in Lafayette, NJ. They decided to hone in on the wedding design and nurture the workshop portion of their business.   They closed the retail portion of the business so that they can focus on what they truly think is their sweet spot. 

It all started 22 years ago, she was helping a friend with a gift idea.  She turned to another friend who had been making and selling gift baskets for some time. Her friend was nice enough and walked her through the steps and voilà, she was a natural. Before she knew it, she was putting together unique gift baskets for friends and family.  As word spread, she was building a following and a business. Now, thanks to the internet, her orders can be placed day or night through her website. Her social following is great and she’s even sent out a gift arrangement to the UK. Her website gets the traffic 

ADT Custom Home Services

For Dan DeMartin life as usual includes the juggling act we all know so well. Life, family, career. He starts each day one pant leg at a time. He's real, regular, honest and compassionate. His business is the security of your home . The stuff that keeps you up at night, or allows you to sleep like a baby. What keeps you up? Is your family safe from break ins, burglary, heaven forbid a fire? You can drive yourself mad with all the what if's. If you don't consider them, you actually do have reasons to worry. How Dan explains what he does is. " I protect bad things from happening to good people" 

You certainly can't know when your home is at risk for a burglary or a fire, can you? After all it's not like a car, when you hit a certain mileage you're due for an oil change. Can it be that easy? Most people hear the words security system and think it's not for them  because "that's too expensive." The truth of the matter is that the investment is minimal especially when you consider the cost of replacing your valuables, or even your home.

Above N Beyond Cleaning

Roaming Acres

If you are a native to Sussex county, you are not a stranger to back roads and wildlife sightings. What might throw you for a double take is when driving down Big Spring Road in Lafayette.  You see a herd of Ostrich in a not so distance field, but then, wait for it, are there really Bison out there too? This is New Jersey, not Omaha! Yes, we are in the garden state with the cows, the farms with silos are landmarks around her.  But Ostrich and Bison and Berkshire pork, Oh my.

CRAVIN THAI

Ed and Toula Reinle have a lot on their plates...literally. It’s been eight years since they opened their doors to

Cravin Thai on Main Street in Hamburg.

Diners have expressed that their exterior is deceiving, (A brick faced store front, that was at one time

a bank).  What they get when they enter is an experience that has them wanting to come back.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the dining area relaxed and quaint, the signature cocktails are worth the trip alone (Try the “Dirty Apartment” or “Ginny Hendricks”)  and you haven’t even eaten anything YET! The Drunken Noodles are amazing, and if you can take it, ask for spicy- the chef is not afraid to spice it up if that’s what you're cravin'. The duck, is to “die for!.” Authentic flavors of Thailand that you would never expect here in Hamburg, NJ. 

If you are looking for something so not typical of Thai cuisine they have amazing ribs and delicious burgers. They want everyone to enjoy their experience when they come and of course the food. Local patrons visit regularly, some, multiple times a week. Regular diners from even as far as PA and Manhattan.  

It’s coming up on a year since Jennifer opened her door at JACCS Art, and invited the community to come express themselves. In the large double suite space, she’s provided a fun, bright, warm environment that  makes your subconscious want to shake your creativity and say “helloooooo, wake up!!”.  How do I do that? 

Hi Everyone!!!  How have you all been enjoying your Summer so far?  I can't believe it's almost September already.  The Summer season sure does fly by quickly!!!  It's been kind of a rainy one this year, especially during our weekends unfortunately.  It's been great weather for our local produce though.  My Mom has been super excited about the local squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, peaches, blueberries...the list goes on.  We buy most of our local produce at Windy Brow Farms in Fredon.  My parents have been very much enjoying the peaches from the farm this year, as they do every year.  We treat ourselves weekly to the homemade ice cream made at Windy Brow too and what a treat it is!!!  Mom and Dad get me my own little dish now and I enjoy it immensely!!!!

Hi Everyone and Happy 4th of July!!!!  I hope you all have been enjoying happy celebrations with your family and friends!!!!  It's strange to have the holiday land right in the middle of the week this year but we've been enjoying it nonetheless.  Summer is just flying by with so many fun times!  One of my very favorite things we've done so far this year is a big trip to Folly Beach in South Carolina (very near to Charleston).  The beaches there are so very awesome and dog friendly.  I was only banned from the beach from 10:00 AM through to 6:00 PM every day, which worked out perfectly because even though it was only the first week of June when we were there, it was hot enough that my parents had to keep me tucked in the shade during the midday heat.  I really just had the best time ever running on the beaches there and my enthusiasm earned me quite a few admiring comments from passersby.  Some people asked how long I could keep running up and down the beach to catch my ball; my Mom and Dad were quick to let them know that I could quite possibly keep going forever if I was allowed.  :)