Lehigh Valley Style March 2026 by Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc.

Molasses Creek Farm

Expansive 58-acre property in Bucks County. The updated farmhouse is complemented by an outdoor kitchen, pool, pool house, 5-stall bank barn & indoor riding arena. Offered for $4,000,000

Lanes End Farm

Set on 50 acres, this circa 1863 home is a culmination of many a heart’s desire - a historic home, in pristine condition, on generous acreage and under 2 hours from New York City. Offered for $1,650,000

Tucked away on nearly 4 private acres in Lower Saucon Twp, this remarkable property offers a rare combination of natural beauty, historic character, & modern comfort. Offered for $875,000

Foxfield

A Saucon Valley legacy estate nestled on 4.6 acres. the house and grounds have been proudly cared for, and recently updated with a stunning addition and renovations. Offered for $3,950,000

Sunderland

In a distinguished neighborhood, this captivating home offers a classic New England exterior, circular driveway, and picturesque setting surrounded by mature landscaping. Offered for $1,095,000

Haven on Cross Creek Lane

This thoughtfully updated home on 3.9 acres in Tinicum Twp blends modern comfort with a peaceful, wooded backdrop and access to the scenic Delaware River. Offered for $730,000

Serendipity Acres

A dramatic 2018 barn home with soaring ceilings & hand hewn beams. Walls of windows overlook 5.2 acres including multiple garages, a carriage house & saltwater pool. Offered for $2,250,000

Hillside Lodge

A road less traveled leads to this delightful log home set amid 12 wooded acres in Upper Bucks Co, seamlessly blending modern comforts with a sophisticated rustic ambiance. Offered for $995,000

An 1835 brick home on one of Historic Bethlehem’s most admired streets. This charming building is an amazing opportunity to invest in a highly visible & high volume location. Offered for $650,000

The Bethlehem Star Twin Ponds Manor

SPRING CELEBRATIONS

SPRING INTO REWARDS IN MARCH AT THE OUTLETS

Starting March 1st through March 20th, when you spend $100 in a single or combined receipts before taxes, shoppers can earn a $10 Wind Creek gift card to use on a future purchase in The Outlets.

Receipts can be validated for a gift card reward on Saturday, March 21st from 1pm to 5pm at the Marketing Booth on the lower level of The Outlets. For additional information, visit The Outlets website Sales and Events page.

SPRING INTO EASTER POP UP CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW

Saturday, March 21st | Sunday, March 22nd

Saturday, March 28th | Sunday, March 29th

A HOPPIN’ EGG HUNT - BIGGER THAN EVER!

Kids Quest / Cyber Quest Saturday, March 21st | 11am

Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket! Egg hunts will start promptly at 11am.

Two Grand Prize Baskets awarded to the finder of the Golden Egg in each age category.

Age Groups: Ages 2 to 4 years | 5 to 7 years | 8 to 12 years

Crafts, games and Egg Hunt Registration start at 10am.

Special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny

PHOTOS WITH THE BUNNY

Saturday, March 21st | 10am – 4pm

Saturday, March 28th | 10am – 4pm

Saturday, April 4th | 10am – 4pm (Break at 1pm – 1:30pm each day)

Scout’s House

ZIONSVILLE, PA

A sweet labrador retriever named Scout and her kind owners came to us to remodel their old farmhouse kitchen. It was in dire need of a total overhaul. The only aspect of the existing kitchen that the owners enjoyed was the conversational seating at the island. Avid cooks and entertainers, they craved a pro range, copious counter space, an efficient layout, a butcher block, improved lighting and better flow. A classic white kitchen with walnut accents along with exposed original beams and stone was their idea of the perfect space.

Home Is Where the Art Is

If you’re looking for home inspo, boy do we have some for you this month. March is our spring home edition, and we’re excited to show you all the different ways you can zhuzh up your spaces, especially when it comes to art. We talked with newly minted national award winner and Emmaus designer Hilary Unger of Perianth Interior Design, and she shares tips and trends for home design, including focusing on personal touches like art pieces, on pg. 52. Photographer and digital artist Kim Niswender tells us why the art you choose for your living room is more important than your sofa on pg. 25, and we go on an adventure with local art historian and consultant Christine

Oaklander, who worked with the FBI to take down a fraudster—that story is on pg. 33. But this edition isn’t just about art; we also shine a light on intentional design choices and how they can improve the function of your home. Scott and Jessica Holwick of Restart Renovation and Design talk to us on pg. 42 about accessible design and how your home can grow with you through each stage of life while still looking beautiful, not clinical. Plus, don’t miss a conversation about nervous system regulation with Nicole Chetcuti on pg. 29, a hearty meal out at Braveheart Highland Pub on pg. 60, a sip of spring on pg. 64 and more in this month’s edition of Lehigh Valley Style

Artfully yours,

ANGELA VENNEMANN editor@lehighvalleystyle.com

lvstyleangela

our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com

Getting to know some local makers.

Brushing up on design trends.

Dinner at Braveheart!

BTS with Hilary Unger and Marco Calderon

A good experience leads to a great recommendation. After all, when you’re satisfied or happy with something, you tell others. It’s only natural. That’s why we’re proud that patient satisfaction exceeds 90% across a variety of services, with patients reporting they are overwhelmingly satisfied and willing to recommend us to others. That’s a big compliment and one that makes striving for the highest patient satisfaction always a high priority.

Visit goodshepherdrehab.org/satisfaction to learn more.

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3

President/CEO

Paul Prass

My Dyson vacuum! Yes, I’m the girl who vacuums EVERY day!

I love my tea setup—I have an OXO electric gooseneck kettle and a Finum tea strainer, plus my favorite loose-leaf tea from McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub in Bethlehem.

My pretty Anthropologie glasses and milk frother to make my iced coffee!

I can’t live without my heated blanket and my Keurig. Love making my vanilla latte every morning.

My popcorn air popper. Low effort, high joy and popcorn is my favorite snack, so it earns a permanent spot on the counter.

Blackout shades in every bedroom.

Bluetooth speakers and a headset. Technically two items, but emotionally one.

Vice President/COO

Lisa Prass

Publisher Pamela Deller

Managing Editor Angela Vennemann

Digital Strategy Director Jason Chrin

Production Coordinator Eleanor Anderson

Graphic Designers

Eleanor Anderson, Thomas Körp, Elaine Wyborski

Marketing & Events Coordinator Jaiden Vazquez

Marketing Advisors

Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor

Client Specialist Emily Markovich

Contributing Writers

Alison Conklin, Susan Gottshall, Heather Mayer Irvine, Kim Niswender, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis

Contributing Photographers

Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin, Peter Keady, Rebecca McAlpin, Collin Miller

Editorial Intern Maggie Wilson

Proofreader Lori McLaughlin

Accounting

Jobelle Aleño, Leza Ovten

What’s one item in your home you couldn’t live without?

Heating pad and the “up” button on the thermostat.

I’d have to say my Breville coffeemaker. It brews the best cup of coffee!

As a part-time fitness instructor and dance teacher, sore muscles are part of my everyday life. Every night, I lie down on the couch with a heating pad on my back and an electric foot massager on my feet. They help with my recovery and also just to wind down at the end of the day. 10/10 would recommend!

My gas fireplace! Nothing says home more than a flickering fire on a chilled night. All I do is flick a switch, and my fireplace adds ambience and warmth to my favorite spot in all the world.

My immense sectional couch.

My Aiden coffee machine by Fellow.

Style’s 25th Anniversary Happy Hour

Located at blue grillhouse

1 | Nick

and David

2 | Matt Farabee and Heather

3 | Angela

and Laura Bachman 4 | Lisa

16 | Judy and Mike Lichtenberger 17 | Sam Blades and Omnaia Jolie

Bialis

Caruth

Davenport

Kazan

Meszler

Cramsey

Tim Teel never expected his day to end with a cardiac emergency – or for his heart to stop. Twice. But sudden heart events can strike without warning, and every second matters.

Thanks to our caring, experienced specialists, Tim’s back in tune with his health. The experts from Lehigh Valley Health Network, now part of Jefferson Health, encourage you to know the warning signs of a heart attack and trust your instincts. Acting quickly can save a life – just like it did for Tim.

Read Tim’s amazing story at LVHN.org/ListenToYourHeart. For an appointment, call 888-402-LVHN.

Young at Art

Don’t miss this free expo of creative learning on Mar. 15 at Penn State Lehigh Valley. The Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance is inviting area kids to experience art of all kinds with performances, interactive activities and hands-on music encounters. lvaca.org/youngatart

NEW OWNERSHIP

Easton’s Mystery Box Games has changed hands and is now under the ownership of longtime patron Stephanie Rodriguez-Solis. She plans more events for the space as well as additions to the café menu, but guests can still expect the same great lineup of board games, pinball machines and sense of community. mysteryboxgameseaston.com

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Search for a romantic partner while having a giggle at Comedy Speed Dating, the newest way to meet your match. Upcoming dates include Mar. 11 at Nazareth’s Birthright Brewing, Mar. 12 at Moxy Downtown Allentown and Apr. 9 at Country Club Brewing in Bethlehem. comedyspeeddate

Bigger and Better

If you haven’t checked out Room & Ward Vintage, now’s the time—the shop is relocating this month to a larger location on Allentown’s ArtsWalk, where you can score vintage finds for your home and wardrobe. room.and.ward

Cheers!

We know the Lehigh Valley is home to some outstanding breweries, and three were recognized at the 2026 PA Farm Show beer competition. Congrats to Fegley’s Brew Works (two first place, two second place awards), Yergey Brewing (one first place award) and Brü Daddy’s Brewing Co. (one second place award). thebrewworks yergeybrewing brudaddysbrewingco

Cleaning Up

Congratulations to Hocus Pocus Cleaning Services! The Schnecksvillebased company won the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s 2025 Small Business of the Year Award. hocuspocuscleaningservices.com

BINCHO-DON

NOW OPEN IN EASTON PUBLIC MARKET

You don’t have to get on a plane to experience island culture; just head down to the Easton Public Market. Bincho-Don, an island-focused takeout concept, held a soft opening last month in the market, with a menu that centers on Caribbean cuisine with global influences. Chef Kadon Barnwell modeled BinchoDon after classic Caribbean takeout spots, and he’s offering build-your-own rice plates with carefully prepared proteins, bold sauces and comforting sides. “The concept is inspired by the island foods I grew up around—Caribbean, Guyanese, Honduran and Filipino—and the way those cultures use rice, fire, spice and time to create comforting, soulful meals,” Barnwell says. Guest can expect dishes like pepperpotstyle brisket (slow-braised beef brisket inspired by Guyana’s national dish), pollo chuco (Central American-style fried chicken with house-made sauce and vinegar slaw) and roasted lechón (slow-roasted, herb-marinated pork with crispy skin and vinegar dressing). While Bincho-Don’s flavors come from around the world, its ingredients are local—Barnwell is collaborating with other vendors within the Easton Public Market, sourcing from regional farmers and producers whenever possible and working alongside fellow vendors to create a welcoming, casual dining experience rooted in comfort food with depth.

325 Northampton St., Easton | eastonpublicmarket.com | binchodon

COALITION FOR APPROPRIATE TRANSPORTATION

NEW LOCATION PROMOTES BIKING AND MORE

After much anticipation, the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation has relocated from its home in West Bethlehem to a space in the brand-new Walnut Street Garage in the heart of Downtown Bethlehem, making it walkable, bikeable and bus-able from all of the city’s neighborhoods. It also sits in the middle of LANTA’s enhanced bus service routes, which provide access across the Valley. The CAT team will continue to educate people on what executive director Scott Slingerland calls “human-powered mobility,” à la bike riding with classes like advanced bike mechanics and wheel building, and they’ll continue advocating for safety for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists with educational programs and community outreach. Slingerland hopes to grow CAT’s programs within the next year now that it’s situated in an expanded space, which will also aid the coalition in organizing its donated bikes and parts. “CAT’s new home is our little bicycling hub of humanity in the heart of the Lehigh Valley,” Slingerland says.

33 W. Walnut St. Suite 100, Bethlehem | 610.954.5744 | lvcat.org

OASIS: COMMUNITY WELLBEING HUB

WELLNESS DESTINATION OPENING THIS SPRING

Buoyed by the community and well-being practices of her yoga studio, The Yoga Loft, Rachel Abott is reimagining self-care as a shared experience with Oasis, which lives next door to the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation in Bethlehem’s recently opened Walnut Street Garage. Abott describes the downtown space, set to open this spring, as serene and earthy, and it will blend wellness experiences, holistic services, mental health resources and a tea and juice bar into “one inviting environment.” Oasis promises an inclusive community focused on whole-person wellness in a space that is intentionally designed for visitors to feel connection and calm. The hub will host yoga and bodywork classes as well as pop-up events and local collaborations with more than a dozen vendors and practitioners, bringing the vision of community wellness to life. Abott says the driving force behind Oasis is to show people that it doesn’t have to be overly complicated to live a healthy lifestyle and take better care of themselves. “Oasis is more than a studio,” she adds. “It’s a sanctuary for connection, growth and belonging, right in the heart of downtown [Bethlehem].”

33 W. Walnut St. Suite 200, Bethlehem | jointheoasis.com | jointheoasiswellness

JENSTONES

ETSY SHOP NOW OPEN

Jenstones is jewelry designed to make you feel something. “Bold, playful and empowering” is how Easton jewelry artist Jennifer Fanelli describes her brand, a trio of attributes that perfectly captures her commitment to dopamine dressing—“pieces designed to spark joy through color, texture and statement-making design.” From the moment you land on her Etsy shop, which launched in January, its energy is intentional. “I want my jewelry to instantly lift your mood and confidence,” Fanelli states, encouraging customers to “have fun with fashion and not take it too seriously.” There’s a nostalgic joy woven throughout the brand, inspired by “bold, colorful styles like Lisa Frank,” whose energetic ’90s designs taught Fanelli early on that “fashion could be joyful and expressive.” That influence shows up in vibrant statement rings and charm necklaces that allow wearers to personalize their look. At its core, Jenstones is about trusting creativity. “People crave joy in their style,” Fanelli reflects— and Jenstones delivers exactly that, one fearless piece at a time. Follow Jenstones’ socials to find out where you can shop locally at pop-ups (including March 7–8 at the Outlets at Wind Creek in Bethlehem) and vendor markets like The Hive in Nazareth and Center Valley.

etsy.com/shop/jenstoness | jenstones _ _ | jenstones85

THE JONE(S) COLLECTIVE

ELEVATED EVENT SPACE

From the moment guests step inside The jone(s) Collective, the intention is clear: the space aims to strike what its founder, Megan Colon, describes as “approachable luxury… not so fancy that you feel underdressed or scared to sit on the couches, but elevated enough to provide a different feel from other clubs or event spaces.” That balance is what sets The jone(s) Collective, a sister brand of jone(s) on 9th , apart in a crowded event scene. Designed as a true “chameleon,” the venue easily transforms to suit pop-ups, workshops or private celebrations. “We can remove 100 percent of the furniture,” Colon explains, adding that she can also shift to banquet-style seating, move art for projectors and add finishing touches that make each event feel distinct. At its core, the space thrives on intention. The events that work best are those that “complement the space and share the same values as the jone(s) brand,” including styled brunches, wellness workshops and creative networking. Perhaps the most rewarding part of bringing The jone(s) Collective to life has been “seeing people’s genuine reactions to the space once it was finished,” says Colon. It’s a response that confirms what this space does best—turning thoughtfully planned gatherings into memorable experiences.

22 S. 9 th St., Allentown | thejones_collective

BE PART OF THE STORY!

Is your home ready to be featured? Email photos to editor@lehighvalleystyle.com for consideration!

DID YOU KNOW?

You can view the entire issue for free online at lehighvalleystyle.com!

Only Online

Looking for things to do in the Valley and exclusive LVS content? Visit lehighvalleystyle.com for weekly event listings, web-only articles and more!

Tying the knot in 2026? Submit your photos for a chance to be featured in our 2027 Weddings edition! Visit lehighvalleystyle.com/share-with-us

WANT TO KNOW WHERE OUR NEXT STYLE INSIDER HAPPY HOUR WILL BE?

Want info about upcoming Lehigh Valley Style events? Follow Lehigh Valley Style on Facebook and click on our Events tab!

CONNECT WITH STYLE :

GET THE GOODS

Phantoms Pro Shop

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Like many devoted fans of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the team has long relied on pop-ups and game-day booths to bring its merchandise to the community. With the opening of a permanent storefront, that familiar setup has finally evolved into a dedicated space that reflects the spirit of Phantoms hockey year-round. The new store offers more than jerseys and hats—it’s a place for fans to gather, connect and celebrate the team beyond the arena. We spoke with store manager Fernando Guzman and Phantoms’ senior buyer and e-commerce director Bev Saunders to learn more.

QSince opening to the public, what has been the community reaction to the Phantoms Pro Shop?

We’ve seen our dedicated fans and local community genuinely excited for this long-awaited freestanding store. Fans love being able to customize jerseys, check out authentic items and pick up online orders. We are excited by the enthusiasm we have received. The hope is that this flagship store will become a community hub for Phantoms fans and local merchandise.

How does the new Pro Shop layout compare to the old concourse store in terms of operations, customer flow and overall vibe?

Our Team Store on the concourse is only open on game days to fans in attendance, while the new Phantoms Pro Shop is open to the public. Our arena Team Store is created by merchandising, and the layout is different each game day. Our Phantoms Pro Shop is now a permanent home, no recreation necessary. Every department, fixture and layout was designed to make our fans feel comfortable, take their time shopping, stay awhile and feel welcome.

What kind of merchandise is selling best in this new space?

Jerseys, pucks, hoodies and all things meLVin, our wonderful Puck-Nosed Pladottle. We have also been a great resource for gifting, especially for merchandise for infants and youth.

Are there any customer favorites that have surprised you since the shop opened?

Our Authentic department, located on the upper level with team-issued memorabilia, has been very popular.

For fans who are new to visiting the store, what are a few things you’d highlight as must-see or must-buy items?

Customize a jersey and grab a Phantoms puck. Our pucks range from the official traditional black game-day puck, to our fun collectible orange and royal blue colors, to our holiday and eclectic themed pucks.

What details, big or small, did you intentionally bring into this new shop to make it feel like a destination?

We were very intentional about every detail to make the Pro

Shop feel like a true flagship destination. From the moment you walk in, the orangeand-black palette creates an immediate connection to our existence here in the Lehigh Valley and our NHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Flyers. That visual consistency reinforces our local pride and legacy to the organization. In addition, our layout highlights our premier jerseys and in-store customization; even our store televisions support our aim to ensure that the Pro Shop feels like a true destination, not just a place to shop.

Are there any special events or sales coming up that customers can look forward to?

Yes, stay tuned for player appearances and fun flash sales, or make a planned visit during the summer when we will have our Phantastic sidewalk sales that allow fans to shop both inside and outside the store.

What feeling do you hope fans walk away with after visiting—about the team, about the community or even about themselves as supporters?

We hope fans leave feeling proud and excited about the Phantoms: proud of the commitment the Phantoms have to the community and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves. Our Pro Shop aims for every visit to reinforce that our supporters are an important part of the Phantoms family, our Phan Nation!

Anything else you’d like to note?

We are incredibly grateful to our fans and the local community, and we envision our Pro Shop as an exciting place where fans and locals can connect year-round, not just on game days.

701 Hamilton St., Allentown 484.273.4505

phantomshockey.com/pro-shop

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Make it a place you love to be with help from the area’s leading fabricator of natural stone, quartz, porcelain and solid surface COUNTERTOPS for residential and commercial use.

Society of the Arts is Proud to Announce the Return of the SOTA Show House THE JOHN B. SHIMER HOUSE

Step into history and witness a transformation unlike any before. In 2026, the SOTA Show House will be hosted in the historic John B. Shimer House — a landmark Greek Revival Farm House in Emmaus (Shimerville) built in 1855, once owned by the influential local figure John Shimer. This event isn’t just a tour — it’s an immersive experience blending the timeless charm of 19th-century architecture with the creative vision of contemporary designers, landscapers, and artists from across the Lehigh Valley.

MAY 2 - 17, 2026 |

sotawebmaster123@gmail.com| www.sotapa.org/events

CHOOSING ART FOR YOUR HOME

BY KIM NISWENDER

Kim Niswender

ARTIST, KIM MARIE ART DESIGNS

Let’s be honest. Most people will spend more time choosing a couch than choosing the art on their walls. They’ll research fabric durability, compare price points, debate cushion firmness and agonize over whether the sectional is too big for the room. Then they’ll hang whatever’s cheap, convenient or matches the throw pillows.

And here’s the thing: furniture feels essential; art feels optional. But what if we’ve been thinking about this backwards?

YOUR SOFA HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE

That beautiful couch you spent weeks researching? In five years, the cushions will sag. In ten, the fabric will fade, or the style will feel dated. In fifteen, it’ll be on the curb. Furniture depreciates. It wears out. It gets replaced.

But the right piece of art becomes part of your story. It appreciates emotionally and often financially. It doesn’t fade or go out of style if you chose it for the right reasons. The art you live with every day shapes your environment, your mood and your sense of home in ways a sofa never will.

WHAT YOU SEE SHAPES HOW YOU FEEL

Here’s what many people don’t realize: your brain is constantly processing the visual environment around you. The colors, the images, the energy of your space— they’re either supporting your well-being or adding to the noise.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Design a space that is completely you.

A well-designed home can change your life, but it’s more than just “upgrading” your lifestyle.

Your home is your sanctuary, and the key to great design is capturing your spirit to bring the space you’ve always dreamed of to life — a space that lifts you emotionally and spiritually.

Great design unites beauty and function, but most of all, it speaks to you. Contact us today and let’s get started.

Research on environmental psychology shows that the images we’re exposed to daily affect our stress levels, focus and emotional regulation. Blank walls create a sense of emptiness. Cluttered or uninspiring visuals drain energy. But intentional, meaningful art? It grounds you. When you walk into a room with a piece that truly resonates, your nervous system responds. You pause. You exhale. You feel something.

YOU CHOOSE ART WITH YOUR SOUL

Think about how you buy furniture. You measure the space, check reviews and consider practicality, budget and whether it fits the room. Now think about how you should choose art. None of those rules apply. Art isn’t about matching your decor or filling a blank spot; it’s about resonance. It’s about standing in front of a piece and feeling something shift inside you, whether that’s calm, energy, inspiration or recognition. Art is the one thing in your home that should be chosen with intuition, not logic. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It’s the visual representation of who you are and what matters to you. Your furniture says, “I needed somewhere to sit.” Your art says, “This is what I value. This is what feeds my soul.”

INVESTMENT VS. EXPENSE

A quality sofa costs $2,000 to $5,000 and lasts maybe a decade. A limited-edition print or original piece of art costs the same, or more, but it doesn’t wear out. It doesn’t go out of style. And if you choose well, it increases in value. More importantly, it can become an heirloom. It’s the piece your kids remember. The one that hangs in every home you move to. The thing people ask about when they walk into your space.

Furniture is an expense. Art is an investment in your environment, your legacy and your daily experience of home.

THE HIERARCHY IS BACKWARDS

Here’s what the design world won’t tell you: the art should come first. Not the sofa, the rug or the paint color. Start with a piece of art that stops you, that speaks to you, that feels like it belongs in your life, then build the room around it.

Co-Founders: Joel Goyco, Alison Leigh, Andrea Lee

Winston Alozie, CEO, Boys & Girls Club Bethlehem

The art sets the tone. It anchors the space. It’s the thing that makes a house feel like your home, not a showroom. When you prioritize art, everything else falls into place. The colors, the textures, the mood—it all flows from that one piece you chose with intention. When you prioritize the sofa, you end up with a room that’s functional but forgettable.

WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE IN PRACTICE

I’m not saying don’t buy a good couch. I’m saying don’t let the couch be the most important decision you make about your space. If you’re decorating a room, start by asking: What do I want to feel here? Then find the art that creates that feeling. Let the art lead. Let it be the statement. Let it be the thing you invest in emotionally and financially. Because in ten years, you won’t remember what your sofa looked like, but you’ll remember the piece of art that made you stop every time you walked past it.

CHOOSE WHAT LASTS

Your home is more than a collection of furniture. It’s the environment you live in every single day. And the images you surround yourself with, the art you choose to see when you wake up, when you come home, when you sit in your space, matter more than we’ve been taught to believe. So yes, get a comfortable couch. But don’t make it the centerpiece of your decision-making. Invest in art that moves you, that reflects who you are, that becomes part of your story, because the sofa will come and go. But the right piece of art? That stays with you

kimmarieartdesigns.com

Level Up

SAVORY GRILLE

SAVORYGRILLE SAVORYGRILLEPA

Go back in time when fine dining was an experience to be savored. A true culinary gem, Chef Shawn Doyle and his team prepare made-to-order sauces, breads, and desserts using only the freshest and finest ingredients.

2934 Seisholtzville Rd., Macungie | 610.845.2010 | savorygrille.com

THIRSTY TURTLE TAVERN

THIRSTYTURTLE.TAVERN

Thirsty Turtle Tavern offers an upscale casual experience where vibrant energy meets inviting comfort. With an extensive menu, craft cocktails and a lively, sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for friends, family and colleagues to gather in Whitehall.

Mc COOLE’S

AT THE HISTORIC RED LION INN MCCOOLESREDLIONINN

Feel the luck of the Irish at McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn this March. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live Celtic music, authentic Irish fare, and festive specialty cocktails served in a warm, historic pub atmosphere.

4 S. Main St., Quakertown | 215.538.1776 | mccoolesredlioninn.com

LAZEEZ FRESH MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Lazeez Fresh Mediterranean Grill’s shawarma elevates Mediterranean dining with made-fromscratch, non-processed food. The team hand-builds its own shawarma cones daily, creating tender, authentic flavor. Fresh bowls, quality ingredients and true hospitality make this longtime Lehigh Valley favorite a standout among newer spots.

QTell us about what somatic therapy is. Somatic approaches help reintroduce the body into healing conversations that were once dominated by cognition, language and narrative alone. By paying attention to physical sensations, breath patterns, muscle tension and instinctive responses such as fight, flight, freeze or fawn, somatic work highlights something essential: the body responds to stress long before the mind can make meaning of it.

Over time, the term somatic has become increasingly broad and inconsistently used. What many people are actually working with, and often struggling with, is the nervous system itself. Chronic stress, anxiety, overwhelm and shutdown are not just psychological experiences; they are physiological states shaped by longstanding survival responses.

My work is centered on nervous system regulation and recovery. Rather than focusing on why something happened or relying on trauma narratives alone, I support individuals in learning how their nervous system activates, how to regulate during stress and how to return to safety in real time. This

Nicole Chetcuti

NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION PRACTITIONER

We’ve all had the feeling of being unsettled while dealing with something stressful or difficult. For those who get stuck in that place, Nicole Chetcuti can help. She specializes in nervous system regulation, recovery and embodied living through body-based, present-moment approaches, especially for clients who are working on healing from trauma. She shares with us more about her work to help others return to a safe space within their bodies and minds.

body-based, present-moment approach allows meaningful change to occur without forcing re-exposure to the past.

What drew you to becoming a traumainformed practitioner?

My path into this work began with profound personal loss—the death of my brother— alongside my own lived experience of long-term survival mode. For much of my life, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism and emotional disconnection felt normal. I spent years in trauma-focused talk therapy, which gave me understanding and language, but something was still missing.

It wasn’t until I began working directly with my nervous system through bodybased practices that real change occurred. I learned that insight alone doesn’t teach the body how to feel safe. Healing required a relationship with my internal sensations, my breath and the parts of myself that had learned to stay guarded in order to cope. Training in somatic trauma work, hatha yoga, sound healing and mindfulness changed how I lived in my body. It helped me release tension I didn’t know I was carrying and reconnect with a sense of internal steadiness. That transformation

ultimately led me to leave a twenty-year career and dedicate my work to helping others learn how to come home to themselves in the same way.

Tell us about what modalities you employ at Keep Aligning Within.

My work follows a structured progression that reflects how the nervous system builds capacity over time, from awareness, to regulation, to embodied integration.

The first level is Soul Diving™ , a selfpaced online course and guided workbook designed to support reflection, insight and self-awareness. This work helps individuals identify patterns and internal narratives without requiring nervous system intervention.

The second level is The Pit to Peace™ , a one-on-one nervous system regulation program facilitated through presentmoment, body-based work. This phase focuses on teaching the nervous system how to recognize activation, regulate during stress and return to safety without overwhelm.

The third level is Body-Led Living™ , which supports the integration of these skills into daily life. This work is about embodiment:

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

LIVING WELL WITH

learning how to make decisions, set boundaries and live in alignment with the body’s signals rather than from chronic urgency or stress.

In addition to individual work, I facilitate group workshops throughout the Lehigh Valley that integrate nervous system education, mindfulness and body-based regulation practices.

What physical effects do stress and trauma have on the body?

Chronic stress and prolonged survival responses affect every system in the body. When the nervous system perceives an ongoing threat, cortisol remains elevated, digestion is disrupted, sleep becomes fragmented, muscles stay tense, breath shortens and emotional resilience declines.

Many people experience persistent anxiety, irritability, fatigue, depression, headaches, gastrointestinal issues or a sense of numbness or disconnection. These symptoms are not signs of personal failure; they are signals from a nervous system that has been working overtime to protect.

The nervous system is always asking one question: Am I safe? When the answer remains “no,” the body adapts in ways that can last for years. My role is to help clients gradually shift that internal response toward safety, allowing both the body and mind to recalibrate.

How can nervous system regulation help your clients heal from stress and trauma?

When the body feels safe, the mind settles. Nervous system regulation creates the internal conditions where clarity, emotional steadiness and connection become possible. As regulation improves, the breath deepens, muscles soften, emotions feel more manageable and people often report feeling more present and like themselves again.

Regulation is not about fixing who you are; it’s about restoring the body’s ability to respond rather than react. When that capacity returns, healing can unfold naturally and sustainably.

Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you can’t start your day without?

I'm an early morning person, and that quiet time has been a grounding ritual for over five years. I start with brief breathwork

and a body scan before getting out of bed, allowing me to notice what’s present and respond to what I need before the day begins. I then move my body through yoga or a workout, which helps me feel awake and regulated before engaging with the world.

How about your nighttime routine?

My evenings are dedicated to downshifting. I dim the lights, make tea, play soft music and give myself time to unwind. Before bed, I check in with my body and respond accordingly. Nervous system regulation tools are simple once learned, yet their impact is profound. This ritual helps me end the day settled and prepares my body for restorative sleep.

What are a few healthy habits you try to practice throughout the day?

I stay aware of my breath, check in with my body before committing to anything, eat mindfully and allow rest without guilt when it’s needed. These small, consistent practices help me stay grounded and present. They form the foundation of Body-Led Living™ , a way of living guided by the body rather than by pressure or urgency.

Do you have a personal mantra?

Yes, “Return.” It is simple and reminds me that no matter how far my mind drifts, I can always return to my body, my breath and myself. That return is where regulation begins.

What’s one takeaway you’d like to share?

If you have been surviving more than living and find yourself overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted or far from the person you know yourself to be, nothing is wrong with you. Your nervous system has been carrying your story. Healing begins when you slow down, listen inward and meet your body with compassion rather than judgment or shame. You are not broken; you simply have not yet been taught the tools that help you feel safe, connected and whole. If you are unsure where to begin, I offer complimentary consultations to support you in taking the first step. This is the heart of my work at Keep Aligning Within: guiding you toward a grounded, regulated, embodied life that finally feels like home.

Christine Oaklander

ART HISTORIAN AND CONSULTANT

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

In hindsight, Christine Oaklander should have listened to what her gut was telling her about the inscription on the back of the mixed-media work of art. “To my friend Ken,” reads the message, which was supposedly left by the artist, Joan Miró, a Surrealist painter, printmaker and sculptor. The words were written in English, which struck Oaklander as odd, considering Miró was of Spanish origin and also worked extensively in France. Wouldn’t it have made more sense for Miró to use his native tongue, or perhaps the French language? Also: “I looked through I don’t know how many Miró books to find ‘Ken,’ and there was never any ‘Ken,’” she says.

It would take more time for clarity to emerge from the haze of such an elaborate subterfuge, but Oaklander, an art historian and consultant whose expertise is frequently called upon in the Lehigh Valley and beyond, is now all too aware that she was being conned by Carter Reese, a Berks County man who, starting in 2019, had attempted to sell several drawings and paintings he claimed were the real deal, the handiwork of heavy-hitters like Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Pablo Picasso. Reese enlisted Oaklander’s help to find buyers and investors. “I kept trying to pin down more information,” Oaklander says of her early conversations with Reese. “Where did these come from? Where had he gotten them?”

Before the truth was revealed—all the art had been forged—she unknowingly ensnared several others in Reese’s web, including her own brother, who invested several thousands of dollars in the portfolio.

In early 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was rearing its head, Oaklander got wind that the FBI’s Art Crime Team

was sniffing around Reese and one of his associates. She contacted the FBI to see if she could be of assistance, and they took her up on her offer. Oaklander agreed to let them record a series of phone conversations with Reese in which she asked him pointed questions about his art collection and sales. She also wore a wire during a visit to his home.

In May of 2025, Reese was charged and subsequently pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Oaklander read aloud a victim impact statement at his sentencing hearing later that same year, where the 77-year-old Reese was given a 60-day prison sentence and ordered to pay fines and restitution.

The multiyear ordeal was difficult for Oaklander. Although she was not complicit in the scheme in any way, she feels remorse for those she unwittingly brought into it. “How can I have done that? How could I have been that stupid?” she says during an interview about two months after Reese’s sentencing.

She’s angry, too; she feels her reputation has been tarnished. Perhaps that’s why she was never nervous when she was on the

clock for the FBI. “I enjoyed trapping this bastard with his lies,” Oaklander says.

Years ago, long before she ever crossed paths with Reese, Oaklander, with her decades of high-level experience in studying and researching art, mused to herself that perhaps she could be an asset to the “art police,” as she calls them. “I can spot something from across the room,” Oaklander says. “Nine times out of ten, I know what it is, and if it’s a find.”

Oaklander first honed those skills in her native New York City. Her mother, Dr. Isabelle Rapin, was a pediatric neurologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, as well as a pioneer in autism research. Famed neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks was a friend and colleague who dedicated one of his books to her.

Oaklander’s father, Harold Oaklander, “was a little bit more of a maverick,” she says. Early on, he focused on aeronautical engineering; later, post-marriage, with four young children at home, he pursued academia. His achievements include founding an MBA program at Pace University that was only the third in the US at the time.

“I grew up in a very cultured, literary family. We did not have television,” Oaklander says. And expectations were high for her and her siblings. She attended the prestigious Hunter College High School, where the future US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan was in the class below her. Oaklander took her first college course as a fourteen-year-old and continued on at Cornell University.

I can spot something from across the room.

Post-graduation, and a little uncertain of her next move, Oaklander tried out a few jobs but eventually landed first at the New-York Historical Society, and then at the Spanierman Gallery, whose clientele at the time included actress and singer Barbra Streisand and comedian Steve Martin.

“It was an amazing place to work,” says Oaklander. “But by that time, I had talked to so many people that I realized I had to go and at least get a master’s degree.”

That realization launched a largely academic period in Oaklander’s life. She first earned an MA in art history from Williams College in Massachusetts and then a PhD in American art history from the University of Delaware.

Her Lehigh Valley chapter began in 2001, when she accepted a job as director of collections and exhibitions at the

Allentown Art Museum. During her fiveyear stint, she was in charge of nearly all of the museum’s shows and was very active in purchasing art for the permanent collection; she made her first buy just a few weeks after arriving. Oaklander also saw herself as a liaison between the museum and the vibrant community of local artists. She made it a point to visit their studios and attend their shows on her own time.

Her next stop in 2006 was Lehigh Valley Health Network, where, for the next seven years as arts coordinator, she was charged with cataloging and installing the network’s surprisingly robust collection, which she added to as well: “I was given money to buy art to place in both public areas and areas like waiting rooms for different departments. I didn’t play favorites. I knew some artists, I liked their work and I bought [it], but I was continually going around looking to see what else was out there.”

Around the same time, Oaklander was growing her own art consulting business, which she maintains to this day. Dozens of clients—Lehigh University, Brandywine River Museum, Delaware Art Museum and the Baum School of Art, among them—have

called upon her knowledge in buying and selling American and European art.

In 2018, she was awarded a Linny Award (named for the late Lehigh Valley philanthropist Marlene “Linny” Fowler) for her support of the arts. Her bi-level apartment in Allentown looks something like an art gallery itself, with an eclectic mix of pieces spanning the late 1700s to the present day serving as the decor. Some of those pieces will be sold, others might be donated to local art museums or charity auctions.

In addition to being a collector, Oaklander also is a lecturer, an exhibit curator and a published author on a number of topics, including what she likes to call her very own art adventures, which detail the finds she comes across. One of those discoveries was made in 2014 at one of her frequent haunts: the Allentown Paper Show, a gathering of buyers and sellers of antiques, prints, postcards, memorabilia and other collectibles, held twice a year at the Allentown Fairgrounds. A contact clued her in on a large trove of art and archival material from the estate of the New York artist Henry Grant Plumb (1847–1930). Recalls Oaklander: “I took those

boxes home. I started going through them. I was up till one or two in the morning.”

At the time, Oaklander had never heard of Plumb, but, while thumbing through his material, she began to feel an affinity for him. She would come to learn that he was from the small town of Sherburne, New York, which can also claim the painter Tompkins H. Matteson (1813–1884); coincidentally, the second painting Oaklander bought during her tenure at the Allentown Art Museum was by Matteson.

Since that find in 2014, Oaklander has spent a significant amount of time researching Plumb and making contacts in his hometown. “I fell in love with Sherburne, and I fell in love with Henry Grant Plumb,” she says. Oaklander is donating most of the pieces in her Plumb collection to the Chenango County Historical Society in Norwich, New York, just south of Sherburne, with an official exhibition to open by 2027. “The whole thing is magical for me,” she says. “I am very interested in philanthropy, and I want to make sure that this material gets to a place where other people can use it.”

christineisabelleoaklander.com

Local Makers

BY DAISY WILLIS | PHOTO BY MARCO MAYER / ADOBE STOCK

Burned out on the soullessness of big-box shopping and global brands? With mass-manufactured goods making only a quick detour into our homes before hitting the landfill, opt to spend in our community with these creators and bring unique, authentic treasures into your life!

1. NORAA BODY LOVE noraabodylove.com

Created after the long trial and error inevitable for those with sensitive skin, Noraa soaps and moisturizers are handcrafted without harsh chemicals for wholesome self-care. Plant-based with simple ingredients, the bars bring luxury suds to your skin. From classics like French Lavender & Honey to vino-infused winery collabs, you’ll want an assortment.

2. REINVENTED THREADS reinventedthreads.com

The cool and quality textiles of otherwise obsolete items are rescued and reinvented by this maker to create bags, hats and other accessories with a harlequin charm. Funky prints, oversized buttons and lush textures ensure no tote is quite the same as the next in this collection, which you can find for sale at craft markets across the Valley.

HIGH STRUNG STUDIOS

highstrungstudios.com

What better emblem of an affinity for music than jewelry crafted from the strings that create it? These understated pieces resonate with the suggestion of song, strings wound and twisted around each other with ingenious creativity to grace the neck, wrist or ear. Part of the proceeds from purchases go to Musicians on a Mission, whose volunteers lend music to local fundraisers.

4. LEHIGH GLASS lehighglass.com

The magical and mystical is having a moment, reflected in the eye-catching creations of Lehigh Glass. Stained-glass pieces in rich jewel tones depict totems of fascination like sharp crescent moons, leaping foxes and, of course, dragons. Fans of romantasy will want to adorn their reading room windows ASAP.

5. SAGE & SLIP sageandslip.etsy.com

Good ceramics are yours for life, if you can keep them in one piece. Like many potters, Sage & Slip’s cozy ceramics deploy in batches, an inventory of mottled colors and quirky motifs. From animal friends to fruits to familiar pop culture figures, expect to find a great gift or a new favorite coffee cup in the next drop.

SCF ARCHITECTURE

Creating Designs for Beautiful Spaces

“I can’t believe I get to live here!” LISA F., OWNER OF AN SCFA-DESIGNED CUSTOM HOME

SCF Architecture, LLC has been providing creative, quality architectural design services for over a decade in the Lehigh Valley. Specializing in residential and commercial architecture, Samantha Ciotti Falcone, AIA, LEED AP, and her team take the time to understand clients’ project goals, aesthetics and budget and work to tailor fit a design that meets their needs.

Whether it’s custom homes, multifamily, office, retail or hospitality space, SCFA is the down-to-earth expert to create the inspiring places clients dream about.

SCFA gives back and supports the Lehigh Valley community. Sam’s team is a “regular” at the She Nailed It! nail hammering competition and fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. Her firm helps design and build some of the spaces that HFH homeowners invest their time in. The team is also working with the Wildlands Conservancy in Emmaus on their small-animal building, partnering with the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls and other local businesses to get it built.

SCF Architecture: enhancing the Lehigh Valley through architectural design, one space at a time.

22 S. Second St. Suite 301, Emmaus 610.297.0140 | scf-arch.com scf-arch@gmail.com

LOVE YOUR ROOM

Award-Winning

Interior Design Firm

Love Your Room (LYR) creates custom, award-winning interiors that feel as good as they look. Known for modern, one-of-a-kind transformations, their experienced team guides clients seamlessly through every step whether building a new home, undertaking a full-scale renovation, or reimagining a single space.

Each design is layered with warmth, personality, and purpose. LYR manages the details, coordinates trusted trades, and oversees execution, allowing clients to enjoy a refined, effortless process and a beautifully executed space that truly supports how they live.

The conversation begins with the next project.

Lehigh Valley Renovations, also known as LVR, is a design-build firm helping homeowners and businesses bring their visions to life. From kitchens and bathrooms to finished basements, home additions and business fit-outs, LVR turns ordinary spaces into areas clients will love to live and work in. Every project is crafted to combine style, comfort and practicality so that each room feels personal and welcoming.

LVR manages every step of the process, from the initial design concept through construction, making it simple and stress-free for clients. Their integrated approach ensures designs are practical, materials are carefully sourced and craftsmanship is always top-notch. Recent projects include open-concept kitchens that invite family gatherings, spa-inspired bathrooms, versatile basement retreats and business interiors designed for both productivity and aesthetic appeal.

Collaboration and transparency are central to LVR’s work, backed by decades of hands-on experience in the industry. The team works closely with trusted trade partners and draws on both proven building practices and current design trends to deliver solutions tailored to each client. LVR also provides photo-realistic 3D renderings that allow clients to visualize their project before construction begins. With a design studio in downtown Nazareth, clients can explore design ideas, finishes and materials in an inspiring environment.

LVR’s mission is to create spaces that reflect the people who use them, improve everyday routines and add lasting value. Their dedication to creativity, quality and client satisfaction has made them a go-to choice for anyone ready to transform their home into a space that stands out.

LEHIGH VALLEY RENOVATIONS

Design. Build. Enjoy.

Lehigh Valley Renovations is a design-build firm creating luxurious homes and business interiors. LVR protects clients’ investments through thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship and expert construction management. Connect with LVR to schedule a private consultation and begin building something together!

Serving the Greater Lehigh Valley & Beyond 844.587.3667 | lvrenos.com

financial hardship.

Mission-focused, ArtsQuest has its eye on the future with a brand-new, state-of-the-art Cultural Center slated to be built in 2025 in addition to the renovation of the historic Turn & Grind Shop, located next to the Bethlehem Visitor Center on the SteelStacks campus. The Cultural Center will serve as a visible and creative gateway to Bethlehem’s SouthSide; provide much needed space, new programs and advanced technology that will double the number of students and families ArtsQuest currently serves; implement new partnerships as a Communications Career Pathway Program with the BASD; and further foster economic development and tourism across the Lehigh Valley, which will improve property values and further civic pride. The Turn & Grind Shop will allow ArtsQuest to significantly expand its private event space to further accommodate corporate events, weddings, proms and additional functions. Its beautiful and historical location and structure will significantly further travel and tourism to the Lehigh Valley.

HAVEN HOUSE: RESTORING HOPE, RENEWING LIVES

By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment

The need for community-based mental health services from organizations like Haven House has grown post-pandemic. Looking in from the outside, one wouldn’t know that over 70 staff members are working to keep seven distinct programs and countless partnerships running to support around 3,000 individuals in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Haven House continually searches for new opportunities to expand and improve access to services to fulfill their mission. In addition, Haven House takes every opportunity to further educate the public around mental health to foster a stigmafree environment. This year, Haven House plans to resume poverty simulations, grow group therapy options and host a gala-type event, in order to reach new and different audiences regarding community mental health. Please follow them on Facebook or subscribe to their newsletter to avoid missing any of their exciting updates.

Members of the Haven House leadership team

ArtsQuest is a nonprofit with a mission of providing access to the arts for all. Its programs reach more than 1.9 million people annually. Fundraising events, sponsors and community partners allow ArtsQuest to provide over half of its programming free to the public with scholarships available for individuals facing

ARTSQUEST

Providing access to art, culture and educational programs for the diverse residents of the Lehigh Valley and others who seek access to our community

HAVEN HOUSE: RESTORING HOPE, RENEWING LIVES

Members of the Haven House leadership team

By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment

1411 Union Blvd. Allentown 610.433.6181 haven-house.com

JESSICA

SCOTT

ACCESSIBLE BY DESIGN Intentional Choices in Your Home Can Make It More Livable at All Ages and Stages

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER KEADY & REBECCA MCALPIN

Trends in interior and exterior home design come and go. Styles like Mid-Century Modern, Traditional, Modern Farmhouse, Victorian or Colonial Revival were—or are, depending on your personal predilection—in vogue at one time or another. But right now, accessible design is having a moment.

BY REBECCA MCALPIN

What is it? Sometimes known as universal or inclusive design, accessible design runs much deeper than ornamental or architectural flourishes; rather, it incorporates structural elements and features with a wide range of users in mind. While the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, mandates specific standards for accessible design in public buildings (think ramps, handrails, elevators), there’s much more flexibility on the residential level.

Husband and wife Scott and Jessica Holwick are the

owners and operators of Restart Renovation and Design in Easton, which specializes in whole or partial home renovations, as well as new builds and additions. In recent years, they’ve been fielding a lot more requests for projects guided by the principles of accessible design. “It’s not because we necessarily advertise that way,” Scott says. “It’s just grown out of a need.”

“A lot of people are looking for in-law suites or additions,” Jessica adds. “There’s a lot more multigenerational people living together, we’re finding now.” Other times, it’s the homeowners who are realizing they need the modifications for themselves, or they’re anticipating their future needs.

According to a 2024 study from AARP, 75 percent of older adults would prefer to age in place at home. That same study showed 43 percent of adults aged 50 and older believe their current homes would need

modifications to make them safe and accessible.

The scope of those modifications could vary greatly from one home to another, of course; one place might need a complete overhaul, while another would benefit from just a few tweaks. Regardless, the good news is that accessible design and aesthetically pleasing design are not mutually exclusive.

“There’s a nice balance between functionality and then, at the same time, keeping it design-friendly to where it looks appealing,” Scott says.

In fact, many of the features favored by accessible design could also double as modern luxury upgrades, Jessica says: “Continuous flooring throughout the home, layered lighting, smart home features, wider hallways and doors.” They’re user-friendly choices that are intentional but not necessarily obvious to the casual observer.

PHOTO

Cabinets can be fitted with pullout or pull-down shelving.

Kitchens and bathrooms are typically the rooms that present the greatest number of challenges for incorporating accessible design. For the former, it starts with the basic layout: an open design with an island in the middle, as opposed to a typical U-shaped space, is easier for maneuverability. The island also provides an opportunity for surfaces of varying height. “You could have your standard height, and then it could drop slightly down, almost to like a tabletop where you could still do chairs, and people could work there if they need to be seated,” says Jessica. For countertops and backsplashes, using contrasting colors can aid the visually impaired, or those who struggle with depth perception.

The same thinking applies to transitions on the floor; it’s best to have surfaces that are flush and smooth throughout the home—say goodbye to that shag carpet—but, if there is a height difference in an entryway, using a contrasting color ensures it stands out.

Cabinets can be fitted with pull-out or pull-down shelving for greater ease in rummaging around inside them. Drawer inserts like pegboards make it possible to organize plates and dishes on a lower level. Lift stands put heavy appliances like microwaves and mixers safely within reach. A stove with front-facing knobs is easier to reach and use from a seated position than one with topmounted controls.

For countertops and backsplashes, using contrasting colors can aid the visually impaired.

PHOTO BY REBECCA MCALPIN

PHOTO BY PETER KEADY

Standard bathtubs generally get the heave-ho from accessible-friendly bathrooms. Zero-threshold shower stalls are the way to go, with grab bars and benches as possible add-ons. A floating vanity provides knee clearance for wheelchair users while also offering storage space that’s within easy reach. Also, abovethe-sink medicine cabinets are making a comeback, Jessica says. “It’s just a way of making life a little bit easier. Instead of having to duck down and pull open a bunch of drawers, you have all your necessary things just kind of right in front of you.”

The trend toward more aesthetically pleasing accessible design is being supported by suppliers that continue to upgrade their product lines. One example would be those shower grab bars; some also function as storage devices. “So that while you can use it for what its main purpose is, for safety, at the same time it looks like it’s just a nice design feature,” Scott says. “It definitely helps when you have suppliers that are in line with what you’re thinking.” Grab bars for other rooms in the home can also double as picture frames and mirrors.

Not surprisingly, if a top-tobottom, fully accessible home is the goal think wider hallways and doorways, an open floor design, at least one bedroom on the first level—it might be easier to start fresh than to try to shoehorn all those features into an existing space. “Building from scratch is always easier because you’re working with the design from the very beginning and having it all planned,” Scott says. “But we definitely are dealing with situations where we’re retrofitting things and have the whole thing come out looking pretty good.”

PHOTO BY REBECCA MCALPIN

Zerothreshold showers are the way to go.

Continuous flooring throughout the home and wider hallways and doorways can make mobility easier.

According to the National Association of REALTORS, multigenerational home buying hit an all-time high in 2024, when 17 percent of homes purchased were intended for a multigenerational household. New housing developments are increasingly incorporating these designs, which can include three different pieces: the owner’s wing or primary suite; a shared space with common areas like the kitchen; and a flex wing for extended family members that incorporates accessible design elements. “People can have their own private space, yet still be connected to other family,” says Jessica. “We found that’s important for a lot of people. They still want that privacy, but they do want to be living together, if they ever need assistance or help.”

But if a new home or a major overhaul isn’t an option, it’s also possible to do some of the basics on a budget. For example, cabinet knobs can easily be switched out for

D- or C-shaped handles that are easier to grasp for those with limited hand function. Standard water faucets with knobs that require twisting can be replaced by models with a lever handle or handsfree sensor. Adhesive strips placed on the shower floor can help prevent slips and falls.

Lighting is an important consideration, too, and is something that can be easily and affordably altered. “A lot of times, lighting can actually go against what you’re trying to use it for,” Scott says. “It can be in your face and not soft enough. You want the balance between subtle light, but bright enough to see what you’re doing.”

These and other changes are, at their core, designed to make everyday life at home a little— or a lot—easier. The fact that they are also pleasing to the eye is just a bonus. “It’s good to incorporate things that are universal for everyone, really, at any stage of life,” Jessica says.

PHOTO BY REBECCA MCALPIN

PHOTO BY PETER KEADY

HNL LAB MEDICINE

What Blood Work Can Reveal About Health After Age 60

After age sixty, changes in the body often begin at a cellular level, long before pain or symptoms draw attention. Routine blood work helps health-care providers spot concerns early, adjust medications safely and support energy, memory and independence.

Common tests guide important decisions about care. Cholesterol and related markers assess heart health and help determine whether lifestyle changes or medication may reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Blood sugar tests, including fasting glucose and A1c, can identify prediabetes early and help fine-tune diabetes management. Kidney and liver panels ensure medications are being processed safely, while other tests can uncover anemia, thyroid changes or vitamin deficiencies that contribute to fatigue, brain fog or balance issues.

Understanding these numbers turns “I feel fine” into meaningful insight a doctor can use to protect long-term health.

With more than fifty convenient locations across the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania, HNL Lab Medicine makes routine lab work simple and accessible.

50+ locations in Pennsylvania 1.877.402.4221 | hnl.com

age-related health changes can be detected through blood work before noticeable symptoms develop. Early insight allows an individual and their provider to take action sooner and make informed decisions that support healthier aging.

PATHSTONES BY PHOEBE

Age in Place With Peace of Mind

For many older adults, there’s no place like home. The majority of older adults prefer to age in place. However, aging in place isn’t about preference; it’s about planning.

Planning for aging in place requires evaluating the home to ensure it is safe and accessible. Evaluating if support is available to help manage daily tasks like bathing or dressing, as well as help to navigate the complex healthcare system.

Pathstones by Phoebe is an innovative program that makes aging in place possible. Pathstones combines care coordination and navigation with financial benefits to pay for care if needed. Pathstones is part of Phoebe Ministries, an organization with a more than 120-year legacy of caring for seniors.

Pathstones members live with peace of mind knowing they’ve planned to make aging at home possible. For individuals who prefers to age in place, please contact Pathstones to learn how they can help with planning.

DID YOU KNOW? Many

MORAVIAN VILLAGE OF BETHLEHEM

Leading With Heart: Meet Emily Elizabeth Rivera

Moravian Village of Bethlehem, the region’s premier Continuing Care Retirement Community, sits near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Moravian Bethlehem. Learn more about multiple accommodation options, vibrant wellness programs and the award-winning Healthcare Center at moravianvillage.com

A commitment to authentic connection guides every interaction Emily Elizabeth Rivera has with prospective residents and their families as they navigate one of life’s biggest decisions. As Senior Director of Marketing and Admissions at Moravian Village of Bethlehem, Emily blends her personal life experience and interior design background into a distinctive approach to senior living, defined by thoughtful attention to detail and a deep respect for independence. Her unique process includes helping families envision daily life filled with engaging activities and programs, with a strong emphasis on personal wellness. What fulfills Emily most is seeing residents thrive in a place she truly believes in. Moravian Village’s privately owned model and Moravian values create a community that celebrates individuality, inclusivity and genuine care. For her, it is never just about occupancy—it is about honoring each person’s story and helping them feel that, in choosing Moravian Village, they have come home.

NEST IN PLACE

In-Home Care for Seniors

Nest In Place provides solution-based, non-medical home care designed for seniors who want to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes— with no hourly minimums. Their experienced, compassionate team focuses on creating customized care programs that go far beyond simply logging hours. Instead, they deliver thoughtful, practical solutions that support seniors and give families peace of mind.

Services include companionship and assistance with everyday household tasks such as meal preparation, grocery shopping and light housekeeping, as well as personal care needs like showering, dressing, medication reminders and care coordination. Each plan is carefully tailored to meet the individual’s lifestyle, preferences and evolving needs.

Licensed in Pennsylvania, Nest In Place is committed to going the extra mile, providing dependable, high-quality care families can trust. Whether care is needed occasionally or on an ongoing basis, their flexible approach ensures seniors feel supported every step of the way. Call today to schedule a FREE consultation and learn how Nest In Place can help.

Nest In Place offers solution-based, non-medical home care with no hourly minimums, helping seniors age at home. Their experienced, Pennsylvania-licensed team provides customized care. Visit nestinplace.com or call/text for a free consultation.

Wood St., Bethlehem | 610.625.4885

Providing access to art, culture and educational programs for the diverse residents of the Lehigh Valley and others who seek access to our community

No worries. Just the freedom to enjoy life on your terms.

Our well-designed apartments put everything you need within easy reach. Step outside your door to the ﬁtness and aquatics center, a full calendar of activities, and neighbors who become friends.

• Maintenance-free living

• Multiple dining venues, from casual bistro to ﬁne dining

• Fitness, wellness and enriching activities

By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment

• An active senior living community nestled on 190 wooded acres in Central Pennsylvania

• Onsite continuum of health care

• Trailside Farm-USDA certified organic farm onsite

• Selection of quality apartments and homes

• Many amenities and services available

• Countless opportunities to stay active and engaged

• Maintenance-free living

• Over 75 years of retirement excellence

community-based mental health services from organizations like Haven House has grown post-pandemic. Looking in from the outside, one wouldn’t know that over 70 staff members are working to keep seven distinct programs and countless partnerships running to support around 3,000 individuals in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Haven House continually searches for new opportunities to expand and improve access to services to fulfill their mission. In addition, Haven

the public around mental health to foster a stigma-

resume poverty simulations, grow group therapy options and host a gala-type event, in order to reach new and different audiences regarding community mental health. Please follow them on Facebook or subscribe to their newsletter to avoid missing any of

ARTSQUEST

Providing access to art, culture and educational programs for the diverse residents of the Lehigh Valley and others who seek access to our community

Looking to Transition into Senior Living?

The Certified Senior Advisors at CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley & Upper Bucks are dedicated and committed to finding optimal choices for seniors transitioning into senior living.

Our experienced and empathetic team offers expert guidance to families navigating the complexities of transitioning into senior living. We specialize in identifying the safest and most suitable senior care options, including In-Home Care and organized tours of Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities.

At CarePatrol, we prioritize your family’s peace of mind and ease of transition. Our personalized support and trusted senior care advisory are offered at no cost to you, ensuring the safety, happiness and well-being of your elder loved one.

ArtsQuest has its eye on the future with a brand-new, state-of-the-art Cultural Center slated to be built in 2025 in addition to the renovation of the historic Turn & Grind Shop, located next to the Bethlehem Visitor Center on the SteelStacks campus. The Cultural Center will serve as a visible and creative gateway to Bethlehem’s SouthSide; provide much needed space, new programs and advanced technology that will double the number of students and families ArtsQuest currently serves; implement new partnerships as a Communications Career Pathway Program with the BASD; and further foster economic development and tourism across the Lehigh Valley, which will improve property values and further civic pride. The Turn & Grind Shop will allow ArtsQuest to significantly expand its private event space to further accommodate corporate events, weddings, proms and additional functions. Its beautiful and historical location and structure will significantly further travel and tourism

Community partners since 2014.

Our trusted experts are here to help find the Right Care Option

LehighValley.CarePatrol.com 610-509-0445 / 610-509-7050

HAVEN HOUSE: RESTORING HOPE, RENEWING LIVES

By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment

We’re thrilled to share exciting news —The Suites at Fellowship Community, a modern expansion of our Continuing Care Retirement Community, bringing brand-new independent living residences to our campus.

Our thoughtfully designed floor plans range from 1,050 to 1,450 square feet and are a blank canvas for your creativity. Choose your ideal floor plan, personalize finishes and bring your vision to life. From appliances to paint colors to flooring, you’ll design your space to make it truly your own.

And all utilities are included!

Haven House is committed to empowering individuals to overcome barriers in their lives and provide them with support and an opportunity to reach their full potential. To support Haven House, or to learn more about their different programs, visit haven-house.com.

1411 Union Blvd.

To learn more or to register for an information session, scan QR code or call Laura at 610-769-4332.

Allentown

610.433.6181 haven-house.com

Sophisticated LIVABILITY Award-Winning Designer Flourishes in the Lehigh Valley

By Heather Mayer Irvine

When Emmaus-based designer Hilary Unger works with a new client, the first (or maybe second) question she asks is, “How do you want your home to feel? ” Unger, a seasoned designer, CEO and design director for Perianth Interior Design, says the root of all design choices comes down to emotion— regardless of whether we realize that.

Unger moved to the Lehigh Valley about four years ago from New York City, where she worked with high-end clients in beautiful brownstone apartments. Family brought her (and her 30 years of design experience) to Emmaus, and she, like many transplants do, fell in love with the Lehigh Valley.

“I wanted more space, a better quality of life, to be near to family,” Unger says. “We’re so close to Philadelphia, New York and the culture in the [Lehigh Valley] cities.”

In 2025, Unger won a major award in her industry: The Interior Design Society National Designer Conference’s Designer of the Year for 2025 in the category of Living Spaces $100,000 and Above.

The award was Unger’s first, but it was also the first time she’d ever submitted for an award in nearly three decades of designing. (In other words, she’s batting a thousand).

Hilary Unger of Perianth Interior Design is here to make your rooms not boring.

Photography by Marco Calderon

Award-Winning WORK

The work in question is what she’s now calling the “red room.” It was a small space that, she says, required creativity and problem-solving. She never intended for the room, which now functions as a living room, dining area, library, workspace and meeting zone (because New York City) to be red. It all sort of happened.

The pre-war building, Unger explains, was completely vanilla. It had really nice architectural elements, like high ceilings, but it was plain and boring. When talking with her client, a New England native who works in publishing and loves to read, it became evident that the style had to be warm.

“In no way were we thinking about a color,” Unger says. But in the end, her magic trick, as she calls it, was using deep, layered reds as a neutral and building from there.

Collin Miller Photography

Not BORING

Unger, who maintains clients in the cities and the Lehigh Valley, leans in hard on the “not boring” trend. That doesn’t mean rooms can’t be neutral—beige, white, cream— but she works with her clients to bring life to any room.

One of her favorite ways to bring a space to life, and a design staple she’s incorporating in her Lehigh Valley projects, is wall coverings. (Wallpaper, she explains, is just one type of wall covering. There’s vinyl, paint, paper, stone…)

In an Allentown project, for example, Unger brought in vertical-striped wallpaper. The room has a lot of windows and plants with a fairly standard eightfoot ceiling. “It made perfect sense to wallpaper two walls, and it completely changed the entire feeling of the room,” she says.

In her own home, Unger recently installed wall coverings with images of ferns, and colors of deep grey, peach and blue. For Allentown’s Society of the Arts, she’s working on a ceiling collage.

Personal TOUCHES

And then, of course, there’s the personal aspect of every project—tying the design into the homeowners’ sense of themselves.

In Allentown, Unger’s clients entertain a lot. But the existing furniture—four big chairs, ottoman, love seat—didn’t work. They shopped for new chairs and a sofa and rearranged the pieces for “good flow” that would improve the hosting experience, Unger says.

Unger also put her clients’ own work front and center, literally. She framed their artwork and styled bookcases and other shelving with their blown-glass pieces.

“I need to find out what makes [my clients] tick, what lights them up,” she says.

Pro TIPS

There is, of course, a benefit to working with a designer, but for those who may not have a substantial budget at any given time, Unger says there are small things they can do to spruce up any space.

“There is so much out there in terms of apps, magazines, online magazines, Instagram and social media. People really need to ask themselves the functions [of their space], priorities, how they want their home to feel,” she says. In other words, be specific and intentional—don’t follow ten of the latest trends you see in your feed.

Think Logically

When you walk into your home, is there a place to put your bag down? If not, can you get a bench or catch-all? Is there a runner leading you to where you want to go? Or consider a small welcome mat for your foyer space—jute holds up well for high-traffic areas, for example.

Choose Properly Sized Rugs

Unger notices that people tend to buy rugs that are too small for their intended space. Think larger when choosing a rug, and you can always tuck it under the legs of your furniture.

Create Flow

Be mindful of your furniture plan, Unger says. You should be able to move seamlessly through your space—not bump into a chair while you’re leaving the room. And, she says, don’t be afraid to get rid of something. (And no, you don’t have to replace it!)

Hila ryUnger SHOP LIKE AWARDWINNING DESIGNER

Buss Paints, Emmaus

Hendrixson’s Furniture, Emmaus

A long-standing local furniture store in Emmaus that carries several of Unger’s goto furniture brands. They offer dependable quality with a thoughtfully curated selection. hendrixsonsfurniture.com

Pottery Barn, Lehigh Valley Mall

A reliable resource for classic, well-made furnishings and accessories that work beautifully as supporting pieces within a layered design. potterybarn.com

Bright Light Design Center, Allentown

A local lighting showroom offering a wide range of fixtures, from practical to statement-making. brightlightdesigncenter.com

These are Unger’s favorite Lehigh Valley spots.

Unger’s local source for paints and Hunter Douglas window treatments. They’re valued for their expertise and service. busspaints.com

Sherwin-Williams, multiple locations

A trusted paint resource Unger frequents for residential and commercial projects. sherwin-williams.com

Blinds To Go, Whitehall

An easy, efficient option for streamlined window shades when a project calls for simplicity. blindstogo.com/stores/allentown-store

Kat Collins Studio, Easton

Bold, expressive paintings from a local artist that Unger likes for energy and depth to interiors. katcollinsstudio.com

David Smith, Hyaline Expressions

Local glassblower (and a client of Unger’s) whose work Unger uses for meaningful finishing touches and client gifts. “His work brings artistry, color and craftsmanship into [my clients’] homes.” hyalineexpressions.com

York Wallcoverings, available at local retailers

York Wallcoverings offers an exceptional range of wallcoverings, from richly textured modern designs to historical patterns. York is the oldest and largest wallcovering manufacturer in the United States. yorkwallcoverings.com/StoreLocator

TUSCAN CHICKEN FETTUCCINE WITH ChefSmithNoah

Noah Smith doesn’t really cook from recipes, and that’s exactly the point.

After nearly two decades in the kitchen, he cooks by instinct, by feel, by a quiet internal rhythm that comes from years of repetition and curiosity. “I just know what goes in it,” he says. “It’s all kind of arbitrary numbers in my head.” That intuitive approach defines both his food and his career.

Smith grew up cooking at home in his grandparents’ house, where being in the kitchen was as much about togetherness as it was about meals. Food was something shared, an activity, not just

a task. His first restaurant job came at 16 at Auntie Anne’s, rolling pretzels by the thousands. (Even now, he jokes that if you handed him a piece of dough, the muscle memory would still be there.)

From there, he moved into restaurants and never really looked back.

Now 33, Smith has spent more than half his life working in kitchens. He joined Joey B’s in Palmerton in 2015 at just 23 years old, starting on fryers. Over time, he worked every position from line cook to prep, then inventory and eventually stepped into the role of running the kitchen.

“It wasn’t even a big moment,” he says. “I already knew how to do most of it.”

What Smith loves most about cooking is the creativity. While baking came naturally to him, cooking allows for flexibility and spontaneity.

“It’s not such an exact science,” he explains. “You can kind of create whatever you want.” Inspiration comes from everywhere: cooking shows he’s watched with his mom, something he’s craving that week or a regular who mentions it’s been a while since they’ve seen a favorite soup. His brain, he admits, is “always going and dreaming up new dishes.”

That creative freedom fits perfectly at Joey B’s, a bar and restaurant Smith describes as a place built on friends, family and comfort. Regulars may not know his name, but he knows their orders by heart. “If you tell me what they ordered, I know exactly who it is,” he laughs.

For this edition, Smith is sharing a Tuscan Chicken Fettuccine, a dish that reflects everything he loves about cooking. Hearty but not heavy, rich and balanced, it’s filled with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and warmth. It is food meant to make you feel full, cared for and at home— exactly like a night at Joey B’s.

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

TUSCAN CHICKEN FETTUCCINE

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. fettuccine

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp. garlic, minced

6 oz. sun-dried tomatoes

6 oz. fresh spinach

1 c. chicken stock

2 c. heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp. grated parmesan

Fresh rosemary for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides and almost entirely cooked through. Remove the chicken, slice into thin strips and set aside.

Add the garlic to the pan, cooking until it begins to brown. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about one minute. Add the spinach and chicken stock and simmer.

When the spinach is tender, add the chicken back to the pan as well as the heavy cream. Bring the pan to a simmer and add salt and pepper to desired flavor.

Add the cooked pasta to the pan, stirring it continuously. When everything is hot, add the parmesan to thicken the pasta. Once all ingredients are well incorporated, plate in desired dishes and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Braveheart Highland Pub

HIGHLIGHTS SCOTTISH FARE AND TRADITION

St. Patrick’s Day is Braveheart Highland Pub’s busiest day of the year—even though the Hellertown restaurant serves up the food and culture of Scotland, not Ireland. Thank heaven you don’t have to be Irish in every sense of the word to take part in celebrating the wearin’o’-the-green holiday. That Braveheart does triple its usual volume on that day is proof positive.

This Lehigh Valley outpost of Scottish heritage comes by its Celtic roots honestly. Owner Andy Lee’s parents moved to the United States while they were building their family: his two older brothers were born in Scotland, and Lee, a first-generation American with both US and British citizenship (Scotland is part of the United Kingdom), still visits cousins in his family’s homeland annually.

While Lee left a Scottish family behind, he’s built another family here. His daughter, Gabriella Haklar, works as a manager at Braveheart, and the restaurant’s staff has become like an extended family. Half of the employees have worked at the restaurant for more than a decade, says Erik Sheetz, general manager.

That family feel flows throughout Braveheart—a cross between a pub and a family restaurant, says Sheetz. Its pub sensibility translates to a restaurant that’s comfortable, accommodating and immediately welcoming. Often, conversations begun between strangers at the bar lead to friendships, Sheetz says.

The decor reinforces the comfortable vibe, keeping the cultural focus front and center. Braveheart finds

BY SUSAN GOTTSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

its home in the former Hellertown Hotel, where exposed brick walls and dark wood paneling in the bar area create the warmth of a cocoon. Furniture— tables, chairs and barstools imported from Scotland and Ireland in tartan patterns—contributes a Celtic tone. Photographs in the dining room share views of Scotland shot by Haklar’s sister, Julia Lee, on her iPhone. Starting in March, during warmer months, staff wear kilts, adding even more authenticity to the Scottish culture here.

Haklar describes the food as “crossover”—Celtic in nature, but with American nuance. Standard pub food—burgers, Buffalo wings, and chicken fingers—are included in the menu, along with Guinness beef stew, shepherd’s pie and a Gaelic adaptation of nachos (tortilla chips, Scottish mincemeat, cheddar cheese, salsa and sour cream). There’s also boxty (traditional Irish potato pancakes) and bangers (Irish pork sausage), along with the Scottish specialties haggis and bridie (meat pastry), for example. And you can count on corned beef and cabbage during March; the kitchen cooks about 25 corned beef briskets during the month.

Chef Brent Rose, previously with Silver Creek Country Club, has been in Braveheart’s kitchen for thirteen years. Two years ago, he traveled to Scotland to ensure the restaurant’s Scottish flavor profiles are on target. All of the fare is made from scratch in the restaurant’s kitchen, with the exception of meat pies and bangers.

It’s pretty clear the Baby Spinach, Pear & Stilton Salad is made from scratch. In fact,

not only can you easily tell it’s made from scratch, you can also tell it’s made with great care. Uniformly thin slices of fresh pear are fanned atop a bed of the freshest spinach with Stilton cheese crumbled in the center. Toffee pecans and sun-dried cranberries, scattered over the greens, add sweet texture. Enhanced by white honey balsamic dressing, this stunner of a salad is proof that food that’s good for you can be delicious, too.

The Corned Beef & Cabbage Spring Roll appetizer could easily be described as St. Patrick’s Day in a bite. A deep-fried egg roll wrapper features cabbage stuffed in the center with corned beef wrapped around the perimeter. Served just warm enough, on a bed of 1000 Island rémoulade, the roll’s tender, savory interior gets balance from the crisped wrapper. Yum.

For a roundup of Braveheart’s traditional Celtic fare, the Scottish Sampler is in order. It features a bridie (shredded beef tenderloin in a puff pastry shell), Scottish meat pie (finely ground beef in a hot water crust) and banger (pork sausage) served with mashed potatoes topped with onion gravy and peas on the side. The meat pie, which hails from Stewart’s Market in Kearny, New Jersey, features a firm crust; the bridie’s larger pieces of beef provide textural contrast to its thicker, flaky pastry. The banger contributes additional flavor and texture to the combination, as does the smooth, rich onion gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes and bright, firm peas finish this collection of Scottish comfort food that is a plateful of flavor.

Seared Pub Steak features peppercorn iron-seared top sirloin with classic CheddarBacon Yorkshire Pudding and Worcestershire Compound Butter. The pointed peppery flavor notes accent the savory steak, tempered by the dense pudding with its cheesy, smoky counterpoint and the tangy, complex flavor of Worcestershire sauce added via the richness of butter. Oh my. Mashed potatoes and intelligently cooked, al dente green beans finish this plate that’s a hearty, oh-sosatisfying meal.

Chocolate Lava Cake is a fine comfort food finale. Break open the individual cake and watch the warm, gooey, deep dark center flow onto the plate, then drench each bite in that sauce on the way to your mouth. Whipped cream adds dreamy, creamy lightness to the decadence; a sliced strawberry garnish ensures a modicum of antioxidant nutrition along with lots of carbohydrates. All gustatory satisfaction should be so pleasurable.

Braveheart’s beverages reflect Celtic influence, too. Of two dozen draft beers, three are Scottish—a rare find in the Lehigh Valley. There’s also Ireland-brewed Guinness on draft, served from the tap with a shamrock pattern in the beer’s head, and an extensive single malt Scotch selection. Of course, there’s Irish coffee and a rotating seasonal cocktail menu.

Especially appropriate in March is the Shamrock Shake Martini—made with Pinnacle Whipped vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, crème de menthe and whipped cream, then garnished with Lucky Charms marshmallows. This creamy, minty and rich, yet refreshing, drink is a fun and tasty way to get the St. Patrick’s Day party started.

At Braveheart, that party starts early. A oncea-year breakfast buffet of Irish and Scottish fare, served 8–10 a.m., includes blood sausage, black pudding, white pudding, bangers, roasted tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, eggs, boxty and rashers (Irish bacon). Reservations are recommended: Haklar says the restaurant starts receiving calls in January to reserve tables for this breakfast.

The sense of family at Braveheart extends beyond staff and patrons: the restaurant wants to be “a good community member,” says Sheetz. That translates to dine-and-donate events, usually around twenty per year, that raise funds for local nonprofits, along with an annual charity golf tournament organized by the restaurant. Last year, the tournament’s beneficiary was Saucon Valley Youth Sports.

The restaurant’s motto, “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends,” proves true on several levels—through building relationships among patrons, between patrons and staff and between the restaurant and the community. “Pubs in Scotland are so cozy and warm,” says Haklar. “We just want to make Braveheart like that.” That warmth, along with good food and drink, has ensured the restaurant’s success since it opened in 2006.

Did you visit Braveheart Highland Pub? Tag @lvstylemag and let us know how it was!

Braveheart

Highland Pub

430 Main St., Hellertown | 610.838.6555 bravehearthighlandpub.com

HOURS

Opens daily at 11:30 a.m.

Closes: Kitchen Bar Sun. 8 p.m. 9 p.m. Mon. 8:30 p.m. 10 p.m.

Tues.–Thurs. 9 p.m. 10 p.m.

Fri.–Sat. 9:30 p.m. 10 p.m.

Cost: Starters: $6–$16

Mains: $16–$29

St. Patrick’s Day breakfast buffet: $15

Parking: Lot adjacent to restaurant; free on-street overflow parking. Reservations: Recommended.

WHAT TO ORDER

Full of nutritious splendor, the Baby Spinach, Pear & Stilton Salad should not be missed. The Corned Beef & Cabbage Spring Roll offers the flavor essence of St. Patrick’s Day in finger-food form. It’s March! Try the Bridie, true Scottish fare. And, for goodness’ sake, indulge in the Shamrock Shake Martini—if the promise of minty goodness isn’t enough enticement, enjoy its beautiful color, a reminder that spring is right around the corner.

READY TO TRY IT?

Tag @lvstylemag when you do!

BY ANGELA VENNEMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CANNON

PLANTS + COFFEE HONEY LAVENDER LATTE

When spring arrives and everything comes alive again, that’s the good stuff. You want more sunshine, more fresh air, more birdsong, more pops of green bursting from the ground. It’s the perfect time of year for something floral, something with an earthy sweetness, even in your daily coffee.

Plants + Coffee has just the thing: the Honey Lavender Latte. Available hot or iced, this drink is simple (espresso, natural honey, lavender syrup, milk) yet full of springtime flavor. Owner Brandt DeLorenzo says, “The lavender brings a calm, botanical character that reflects our love for greenery and the lush plants that fill our café, making it feel like a drink inspired by the space itself.”

It’s hard to not feel instantly brightened after a few sips of this latte. The espresso tastes of a lighter roast, not overly bitter, and the floral flavor of the lavender syrup balances the sweetness of the honey for a satisfying, sunshine-y boost, complete with a fresh sprig of lavender for garnish. DeLorenzo says the inspiration for this drink comes from Plants + Coffee itself: “We’re a space rooted in nature, greenery and our love for plants, and we wanted to create a latte that reflects that identity, pairing the rich taste of espresso with soft, floral notes and a botanical character that feels connected to the environment around us.”

The lavender syrup is also available in a sugar-free variety, and you can have your choice of milk in this latte—either whole, or nondairy milks like oat, almond and pistachio. However you enjoy it, you’re sipping on a drink that’s been a customer favorite for years. “It holds a special place in our story, as it was our very first signature drink when we opened in 2023,” DeLorenzo says. “It regularly outsold every other drink on our menu. It’s become one of those standout favorites that people return for again and again.”

So the next time you need a little bit of springtime (and some caffeine) in your life, grab this latte, and don’t forget to pair it with a quick bite. DeLorenzo recommends Plants + Coffee’s Avocado Toast Bagel—both the latte and the bagel “offer light, refreshing flavors. Together, they create a bright, garden-inspired pairing that connects beautifully with our love of plants, fresh ingredients and the natural atmosphere our café is known for.”

1458 Northampton St., Easton 610.905.5030 | plantsandcoffee.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 13th 5–8pm at Emmaus High School

Tim Teel never expected his day to end with a cardiac emergency –or for his heart to stop. Twice. But sudden heart events can strike without warning, and every second matters.

Read Tim’s amazing story at LVHN.org/ListenToYourHeart. For an appointment, call 888-402-LVHN.