Long Branch, NJ July 2023

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Amy Dimes | amy.dimes@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Molly Gregor | molly.gregor@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vivian Pisano, Michael Vanbavel

Our Premiere Issue!

Welcome to Long Branch City Lifestyle!

This is our premiere issue and we’re so excited to get to know you and bring the best of Long Branch into your home every month. We’ll be introducing you to our favorite restaurants, new shops, local experts, and vibrant personalities that make up this great town. And if there’s an upcoming event that you want us to know about, please reach out at any time!

There’s no better time in Long Branch than the summer, and July is just bursting with things to do. The pages of our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of the season. And even if summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults), we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list (check the table of contents for upcoming events) and curling up with a new favorite beach read. (P.S. Teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!)

My family loves to be outside as much as we can during July. We especially love exploring Pier Village, going for bike rides, and even just having a picnic on the beach. There's nothing more rejuvenating or refreshing than soaking up summer rays and breathing in that sea breeze.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of Long Branch!

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Proverbs 3:5-6

FIXING A STUFFY NOSE AND SNORING

QUESTION: My nose is always stuffy, worse on one side. And not only that...I am told by my spouse that I snore loud! What can I do?

ANSWER: Your best bet is a full evaluation by an ENT specialist who can determine what is causing your nasal obstruction and the most effective treatment. Often, once the nasal breathing is restored, the loud snoring is then diminished or even eliminated. There are several steps necessary for a thorough exam:

HISTORY: Questioning the patient about previous trauma to the nose and also anything that may cause chronic swelling inside the nasal cavity like recurrent sinus infections, allergies and overuse of intranasal sprays such as Afrin.

EXAM: Fiberoptic scope of the nose and throat to look for septal deviations, polyps, abnormal enlargements of other intranasal structures, and draining secretions which can be cultured. Check the external nasal structure for cartilage collapse that can result in a valve obstruction. Also allergy tests, home sleep studies and CT scans if indicated.

TREATMENT: Customized to the patient’s cause of obstruction. Can be as simple as a regimen of intranasal and oral medications or more complex involving surgical procedures.

ADVANCED SURGICAL TREATMENT: The latest techniques allow for quick recovery, no bruising, more precise repairs and open breathing immediately after surgery. Technology has improved with the use of 4K camera/monitors and microscopic visualization, laser guided infrared navigation and new methods and instrumentation for septum repair, turbinate reduction, valve collapse reconstruction and sinus blockage. Rhinoplasty techniques have also advanced and can often be performed at the same time if there are external nasal cosmetic concerns.

American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT)

•

American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery

•

Top NYC Metro Doctor 2006-2023

•

In-office NJ state licensed accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center

• Jack Anderson Prize award for highest score in board certifying exam.

70 E Front St. 3rd Floor | Red Bank, NJ 732-747-5300 www.riversideface.com

Frank J Scaccia, MD FACS

These pictures are actual patients of Dr. Scaccia who underwent septal and nasal reconstruction.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @longbranchcitylifestyle

1: Assemblywoman Piperno at a meeting and tour of Arc of Monmouth’s Long Branch location. 2: First responders receive Heroes of the Year awards at Long Branch Elks Annual Charity Ball. 3: Eat Clean Bro raised more than $100,000 for the Children’s Specialized Hospital at 2023 Gala. 4: Great night supporting Holiday Express, which is celebrating their 30th year serving those in need. 5: Display of vintage Coca-Cola sign from 1910 discovered during demolition project on Third Avenue. 6: Trees for School Grant Program tree planting at the Morris Avenue Early Childhood Learning Center. 7: Publisher Amy Dimes’ 40th Birthday Party with friends and family at Ce La Vi.

AL WILLIAM

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Block Box Delivered to Your Door

The Butcher's Block, a restaurant and in-store butcher shop in Long Branch, now offers home delivery to anywhere on the East Coast. All you have to do is season, cook and enjoy! Their mission is to bring people together and engage in conversations about food and where it comes from. They specialize in bringing all-natural humanely raised and handled animals from family-owned farms to your dinner table. From their table to yours...

Scan to read more.

Hot Mess Comes to Long Branch

Hot Mess West End, the brand-new sister boutique to Hot Mess in Asbury Park, just opened on Brighton Avenue. The studio offers all hair and makeup services including color, cuts, styling and makeup, nails, extensions, lashes, brows, waxing and skincare, along with full-service bridal beauty. This is a one-stop to look HOT even if you feel like a MESS!

Scan to read more.

Complete Care at Monmouth Gets a Refresh

This 120-bed nursing community was renovated to create a more comfortable and cozy environment for its short-term rehabilitation and long-term care residents. Newly renovated rooms in the center offer high ceilings and tall windows, each with their own restroom, storage space and television. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are available along with collaborative activities and therapies.

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/LongBranch

Thank you to our Founding Partners.

Amy Dimes

Long

Branch Lifestyle

Publisher Artic Fire Cryotherapy articfirecryo.com

Budget Blinds of Long Branch budgetblinds.com/long-branch-nj

Casale Jewelers casalejewelers.net

Chocolates & Sweets by Joanne chocolatesbyjoanne.com

Complete Care at Monmouth ccmonmouth.com

Detailtopia detailtopia.com

Kim Keaveny | Strategic Life Coach kimkeaveny.com

KUR Wellness Studio kurstudios.com

LAB | Luxury Advisory Board

Patrice George | O’Brien Realty

Pastosa Ravioli | Eatontown pastosa.com

Personal Cooking and Catering by Zazz zazzcatering.com

Phaded Phrames phadedphrames.com

Phorm Phit phormphit.com

RB Granite/Alliance Remodel

Riverside Facial Plastic Surgery & Sinus Center riversideface.com

Seacoast Spine and Sports Medicine seacoastspineandsports.com

Spa Da Meggy spadameggy.com

The Katz Team | Re/Max Synergy Real Estate the-katz-team-101919986.remax.com

Toms River Bintelli Street Legal Golf Carts tomsriverbintelli.com

Toms River Auto Group tomsriverautogroup.com

The Remedy Realm | Dr. Abe Schreiber theremedyrealm.com

The White Chapel Projects whitechapelprojects.com

Vera Cengiz | The Lifestyle Group Jason Mitchell Real Estate veracengiz.com

Vivian Pisano Photography TheSecretGardenSpa.com

Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home wbhfh.com

Coastal Comfort

A Long Branch home gets a refresh with an understated seaside vibe

ARTICLE BY MOLLY GREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY TORI SIKKEMA PHOTOGRAPHY

For a Long Branch couple who wanted to refresh their home along the beach to make it more comfortable, they turned to Nicole Rice of Coastal Décor and Interior Design in Monmouth Beach.

“My clients wanted to update their family room to a more comfy and coastal style that would work with their lifestyle,” Rice says. “They are empty nesters with adult kids who have families, from dogs to grandchildren, coming to visit and spending time at the Jersey Shore.”

Rice always asks her clients to not only describe their lifestyle, but to show her looks they like so she can get a sense of how the space should not only function, but how it should feel. This room was designed for family gatherings when the whole family is in town, including movie night since this is

their TV room. But it’s also multifunctional. “Although I designed the space as one large family area, my client is an avid reader, so she has her corner with a lamp to read.”

Their old traditional furniture was replaced with more modern pieces accessorized with neutral and organic details, resulting in a fresh look. “Everything is new, except the drapery rod and TV,” Rice says. “We reused the rod for the new drapery panels, and we mounted the TV to the wall above the new entertainment unit. Requests were a navy sofa and for it to look coastal, but not with shells and starfish pillows.”

“I believe that Coastal is more than just water, sand and seashells,” she adds. “It is the feeling you get when you go to the beach and breathe in the ocean air—or the calm that you feel when you listen to the waves crash.”

She achieved this vibe with the color palette and the suggestion of the beach: The artwork is an abstract piece that bears resemblance to water, and the rug imitates waves and sand. The room’s showstoppers—the string-back chairs—add a natural texture with a rattan base and bundles of natural abaca rope wrapped along the sides and back. “We kept them in a neutral palette with an off-white performance fabric and added a pop of color with the throw pillows,” Rice adds.

The large sectional in a navy performance fabric was chosen not only for maximum seating space but the ability to withstand the beating it will get from use and the summer sun. Other neutral and organic touches include the natural-wood coffee table, rattan TV stand, off-white curtains, side tables, rattan light fixture and woven shades.

There are many styles of Coastal that you can choose to bring into your own home. “From a more relaxed style of Shabby Chic to a more traditional style of Coastal Glam, each have the same concept,” Rice says. “That open and airy feeling you get when you are by the coast. Think of the colors, the textures and the smells when you are relaxing at the beach, river or lake.”

Rice is no stranger to the Coastal vibe. After growing up on the Navesink River in Fair Haven, living in California, and now back in Monmouth Beach, she works out of her design studio and retail boutique at 36 Beach Road. You’ll find everything from candles and décor to furniture and full design services—all the touches needed to bring the Coastal style into your own home.

Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Your next event, served alfresco

Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.

Insider Tips for Hosting:

• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.

• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.

• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.

• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”

• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”

• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”

• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”

• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

PHORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION

Longtime Long Branch business owner Mark

While up to 30% of the country’s fitness centers have permanently closed since March 2020 due to Covid-19, Mark Steinfeld, owner of Gold’s Gym at Pier Village, refused to be a statistic. Rather than be defeated by the pandemic, he used the shutdowns and restrictions as an opportunity to evolve his business and give his clients exactly what they were

looking for: private personal fitness training. “During the pandemic, I had to make a decision to keep going or trim down, so I limited business to just Long Branch.”

The idea of Phorm, a new luxury personal boutique training studio, was then born. “Phorm is the answer for people who didn’t want to go back to public fitness centers,” Steinfield explains. “It’s very upscale and private.”

An avid martial artist in the late 1980s, Steinfield is a leader in the local fitness world, first opening Gold’s Gym in Howell in 1989, followed by others in the area, including Pier Village where he’s been for the past 18 years. “When I first came, Pier Village was just being built and I worked out of a trailer. I’ve been here since the beginning and have watched the development.”

“To me, it’s a lifestyle. Being on the Jersey Shore, that active lifestyle carries over to everything you do in the gym and out.”

Steinfield branches out with a new luxury boutique private training studio

While Steinfield no longer operates the Freehold location, Long Branch’s Gold’s Gym is still going strong, and Phorm is a cut above. “This private training studio was opened specifically in response to the pandemic,” Steinfield says. “We have the real serious fitness buffs at Gold’s, but the general fitness population was reluctant to go back to bigger gyms.”

So in August of 2022, Phorm opened as a stand-alone studio and offers a private by-appointment-only luxury training experience. “There’s never more than 10 or 12 people at one time at Phorm,” Steinfield explains. “I wanted to create more of an upscale atmosphere. People like privacy.” It’s also very popular with working professionals who don’t have a lot of time but want one-on-one attention from a trainer.

THE BOUTIQUE CONCEPT

Phorm's $299 monthly membership—quite reasonable considering the hourly rates of at-home personal trainers—includes full membership at Gold’s, along with exclusive access to Phorm's private one-on-one instruction and Phormula 4, which is semi-private training for up to four people, perfect for those who want to work out with others. The small numbers allow the trainer to focus on each member, so the class still feels like individual training.

Along with functional training, bodyweight training, and strength training, Phorm also offers cardio equipment and boxing classes. Added perks include complimentary parking along with free monthly body-fat testing with Styku, the leading 3D body scanner.

STARTING OUT

Phorm is also a great option for those who are hesitant to get started or intimidated by the open gym concept. “When you’re considering getting involved in fitness, it’s no longer if, but rather when and where do you feel comfortable,” Steinfield explains. “Your later years in life will be better if you can engage in exercise. Walking is great but doesn’t include resistance training. It’s common sense that if you engage in exercise, you’ll be healthier as you age. Here, we try to make everyone feel comfortable.”

Some members first start at Phorm, and then move over to Gold’s once they gain a bit of confidence. Gold’s offers accommodating hours from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm during the week, along with weekend hours. This all-inclusive center with a relaxed atmosphere provides a little bit of everything: state-of-the-art amenities, personal trainers, group fitness classes, martial arts–inspired cardio classes, and yoga sessions. There’s cutting-edge cardio equipment, a sauna/steam room, free weights, resistance machines, a boxing area, and smoothie bar—anything you could possibly need for your fitness routines. Members range from beginner to advanced, with help from experts who will support and inspire. A Gold's membership starts at $65 a month plus tax.

Phorm, like its new members, is just getting started. “We think we’re in the right place at the right time, and we feel like we will continue to only get stronger,” says Steinfield.

Phorm, 15 Morris Avenue, Pier Village, Long Branch; 732-204-7330; phormphit.com.

Learn How to Play the Game

8

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET 01

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE

BY KIND AND COLOR 02 03 04 05

NEGATIVE SPACE HIDDEN STORAGE

Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

CONTINUED > 25 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/LONGBRANCH JULY 2023

UPGRADED HANGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

07

BAG & SHOE STORAGE

Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.

Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

06 08

MAKE A STATEMENT

Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List KIDS

Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these!

Make Popsicles

Go Swimming

Play Sand Volleyball

Family Movie Night

Stargaze

Go on a Picnic

Watch Fireworks

Build a Fort

Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Build a Sandcastle

Bake Cookies

Splash at a Waterpark

Have a Water Balloon Fight

Make Homemade Pizza

Pick Your Own Fruit

Explore a New Local Park

Go Fishing

Camp in the Backyard

Sleep In

Play Board Games

Do a Random Act of Kindness

Write a Kind Note to a Friend

Ride a Rollercoaster

Visit a Carnival

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year.

Go to the Library

ADULTS

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Bands by the Beach

WEST END PARK | 7:00 PM

July 2: Guns 4 Hire; July 9: West End Dogs; July 16: Peter V Blues Train; July 23: Mikey Junior Band; July 30: The Cliffs on the Beach.

EVERY WEDNESDAY, STARTING

JULY

Pier Village Movie Series

FESTIVAL PLAZA AT PIER VILLAGE

Beginning at dusk, Pier Village hosts free flicks every Wednesday night on Festival Plaza. Catch hits like  Top Gun Maverick while enjoying the adjacent shops and restaurants.

July 5: La La Land

July 12: Knives Out

July 19: Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

July 26: Top Gun Maverick

Farmers' Market

WEST END PARK | 9:00 AM

From 9 am to 2 pm. Farmers' market featuring fresh local produce and locally crafted food including pickles, Italian bread, pastries and mozzarella.

Oceanfest

BOARDWALK, 1 OCEAN BOULEVARD | 1:00 PM

Want

JULY 6TH

The Weekend Tote Film Festival

10PRL, 515 BATH AVENUE | 7:00 PM

First annual film screening of works from aspiring filmmakers, film students and creatives from as far as the United Kingdom and as local as right here in New Jersey.

A Tailor Near Me

NEW JERSEY REPERTORY COMPANY, 179 BROADWAY | 7:30 PM

A comedy by Michael Tucker, directed by James Glossman. A man goes to a tailor, which leads to the making of a bespoke suit, which leads to alterations in both of their lives.

meet the

Learn more about Amy Dimes and where she loves to go in Long Branch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIVIAN PISANO

Hi, I’m Amy! I can’t wait to meet you and learn more about the places you love in this great town. As the mother of three kids and publisher of Long Branch City Lifestyle, I thrive on activity and can be found in a variety of spots on any given day. Here are some of my favorites:

01 THE BLOCK. I love the atmosphere here, the amazing service and the best steak around! www.thebutchersblocknj.com // 02 OFFSHORE COFFEE CO. This is the perfect spot for me to work on upcoming issues of Long Branch City Lifestyle. My favorite is the incredible matcha latte. www.offshorecoffeeco.com // 03 MINT COLLECTION BOUTIQUE. It’s so fun to pick out new pieces for my closet, all at a great price. www.mintcollectionboutique.com // 04 DOGGIE SWEETS. The best all-natural treats and frozen yogurt for my dog Charlotte! www.doggiesweets.com // 05 JNANA YOGA. Love the yoga classes here at my favorite wellness spa. www.jnanayoganj.com // 06 THE BEACH. This is perhaps my favorite place of all!