








Home. So much is contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding, our base, our launchpad. It's where we start and end each day. And while the particulars may look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. Author Wendy Wunder once said, "The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back." As we thought about home, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That, of course, includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people. We feel fortunate to have learned more about the businesses and individuals that make up this city and hope that this small glimpse into their lives and work brings people in this community closer together. As you read through the pages of this issue, we hope that you feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood, and most of all - in your home. Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your home. Happy March!
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Interior Designer
Genuine Interiors
https://www.genuine-interiors.com/contact | 917.902.0848
Oasis Home by NLM Design Interiors
https://www.oasishomedesigns.com/ | 732.775.5151
Designs by Ria
https://designsbyria.com/ | 732.571.1171
Coastal Decor & Interior Design
http://www.coastaldecoranddesign.com/ | 732.842.8244
Timeless Designs LLC
http://www.timelessdesignsllc.com/ | 732.530.5255
Home Remodeler
Gold Standard Bathrooms
https://goldstandardbathrooms.com/ | 877.550.2284
The Finish Guys
https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Finish-Guys-General-ContractingLLC-100063767014769/ | 732.850.5420
Top Level Renovation
https://www.toplevelrenovation.com/ | 877.955.1008
NJ Home Builder & Renovations
https://www.njhomebuilder.com/ | 888.317.1890
Two Brothers Home Renovations
https://www.twobrothershomerenovations.com/ | 732.804.3531
Cowleys Pest Services
https://www.cowleys.com | 732.719.2717
Elite Pest Solutions, LLC
http://www.elitepestsolutionsnj.com/ | 732.833.3276
Last Bite Mosquito and Tick
LastBiteMosquito.com | 866.742.4887
Slattery Pest Manaagement 732.542.3888
Coastal Pest Control njbugguy.com | 732.922.6200
Prestige Landscaping & Maintenence 732.921.3524
Scenic View Landscaping & Design Specialist
http://www.scenicviewlandscapingnj.com/ | 732.602.1949
Celtic Concepts Inc, Landscape Contractors celtco.com/ | 732.695.0909
Lawn Branch
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094657103767 | 908.489.2214
Brothers Landscaping
https://www.brotherslandscaping.com/ | 732.780.8843
Brown's Heating, Cooling and Plumbing
https://www.brownshc.com/ | 732.741.0694
ITAK Heating & Cooling
https://itakhvac.com/ | 732.592.2612
Mr. Home Services
https://mrhomeservicesnj.com/ | 732.609.1365
Coastal Refrigeration Corp.
https://njrefrigeration.com/ | 732.222.3828
Precision Tech Home Services
https://precisiontechnj.com/contact-us/ | 732.391.6401
Don't let the name fool you.
If you see Jeff Wosleger driving his truck down Ocean Ave., wrapped in advertising for his Budget Blinds franchise, he doesn't want you to think that he's selling a discount product.
"Someone might say 'Oh, Budget Blinds. I'm not on a budget, why would I worry about the money?' But it's not like that.
"We can go from $99 a window to $920 a window," Wosleger says. "The whole thing with 'budget' in the name is that we'll work with any budget."
That flexibility is what makes Wosleger's business unique; he offers a price point that is available to almost anyone who is living in the community. And doing right by his neighbors is a high priority for him and his team.
"We're a local business. I'm going to see you at ShopRite. I'll see you at Red Rock," he says. "I want to be able to say 'Hi.' I don't want to have to hide behind the Cheerios because we had a bad experience."
Breakfast jokes aside, the experience is something that Wosleger's team strives to deliver at an elite level. Whether a person is looking for roller shades – he says that product is a whole lot better and varied than what you might remember; they can be motorized and hooked up to your phone or an Amazon Alexa – or plantation shutters in deep wood tones, there is something for everyone from the dynamic catalog of manufacturers that Budget Blinds can tap into.
"You don't have to come to a showroom and say, 'I'm not sure how it's going to look'," he says of their personalized approach. "We come to you, it's like a concierge service. You can see it in your space, which removes doubt." CONTINUED >
"We get the opportunity to change somebody's living space. We take it seriously. We're in their home."
Being in the client's home is a privilege that Wosleger and his team take seriously.
"Most of the time, we're putting something in a favorite part of a house. We want to make sure that they feel good," he says.
His hope is that the work they do, from Tommy Bahama-style shutters to outdoor treatments that can screen in a gazebo or porch, will leave the customer feeling satisfied. They'll do custom shapes and finishes on wooden shutters and have valances, drapes and fabric treatments. “Total eye candy for a formal living or dining room," he calls it . And if a job well done leads to a review on any platform, well that's just a bonus for Wosleger and his team.
"It's a currency. It really is," he says of the value of a customer vouching for his work.
With the backing of a parent company that has roughly 1,300 franchises in North America, Wosleger and his team are able to really stand behind the products they sell, which come with a first-in-class warranty.
After spending the first part of his career in media sales, and commuting into Manhattan, Wosleger opened his Budget Blinds franchise about six years ago and has relished being able to live and work in the same community.
"I didn't make many 3:30 p.m. soccer games," he says of the first 25 years of his career. "I didn't see the community until the weekend. (Doing this) has exposed me to a lot of things that I missed.
"I live here. I'm not driving 45 minutes into an area and then leaving. I'm in it."
Budget Blinds of Long Branch is owned and operated by Jeff and Trish Wosleger. You can contact the office at 732-204-6340 and visit them online at www.budgetblinds.com/long-branch-nj/
Editor's note: Photos included are representations of some of the products offered by Budget Blinds. Images of Budget Blinds' work can be found on their website.
“"I want people to succeed. It’s about pairing the plant with the right person."
A lot of thought is put into the details that go into making a house a home. From colors to textures and fabrics, you want it all to feel cohesive and have some flow. One element that can bring some of those pieces together is a houseplant.
Whether it’s a money plant, with its green vines and leaves winding toward the sun, or a peace lily, which will reward a caring plant parent with reaching, white flowers to contrast against its dark, glossy leaves, plants can bring new colors and textures and literal life into your home. And they come with unique benefits, too. In addition to being pretty to look at, plants have been shown to improve the air quality in your home. Even NASA – yes, like the astronauts – has studied the air quality benefits of having plants in your home and the organization recommends having as many as 15-18 plants in an 1,800-square-foot home.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to start with a dozen plants. We talked with Cristina Kocsis, owner of Eucalyptus Houseplants and Home in Neptune City, to offer some favorite houseplants, tips on how to care for them, and even one that you might want to avoid.
"I want people to succeed," Kocsis said. "It's all about pairing the right plant with the right person."
One plant that she recommends for success is the snake plant. Despite its foreboding name, the snake plant is a specimen that not only brings color – some can include different shades of green while others have a bright, yellow border around the green center – but also verticality with its narrow but sturdy leaves that can get as high as 3-to-5 feet.
"As soon as I get them, they fly out of here," she said of the snake plant. "Those are great, easy plants. It's one of the plants that purifies the air. Surprisingly enough, it does more work (purifying) than any other plant."
But, Kocsis, cautions, "easy" doesn’t mean "foolproof." Which is why …
Yes, your potted plants need to be watered, some more than others. But their thirst is not always quenched with a splash into the soil. Take, for example, a Boston fern, which in addition to needing regular watering, thrives in humid spaces – like a bathroom – and also enjoys being misted.
Even if your houseplant doesn't require misting, it is still a good idea to give the plant a good washing from time to time.
"I recommend to wash (your plants) in the sink once in a while," Kocsis says. "If you let a plant get dusty, it makes it more susceptible to pests, like spider mites."
In addition to giving your plants a nice rinse with water, homeowners can also dampen a paper towel and wipe down the leaves to remove dust or any other harmful debris. Kocsis also recommends using either neem oil or botanical oil to improve plant health and ward off insects and mildew from taking up residence in your plant.
One of the trendiest indoor plants over the last few years is the Fiddle-Leaf Fig. You have probably seen it in every home magazine you’ve thumbed through. With its woody stem and large, eye-catching leaves, it's no wonder it’s sought-after by many. But, be careful. The plant is notoriously difficult to care for.
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If you let a plant get dusty, it makes it more susceptible to pests, like spider mites.
Sometimes, your plant is going to outgrow its home. Knowing the signs of when it's time to move is important.
Maybe you're noticing roots coming up through the soil surface, or out through the drain holes at the bottom. Or maybe your plant just isn’t doing well in its current planter. These could all be tips that it’s time to re-pot.
When you decide it’s time to re-pot, it's important to only go up by one size. Don’t go from a 4-inch planter to an 8-inch planter; move up more gradually. If you have an
exotic plant – like a hibiscus – and are a little intimidated by the process, Kocsis offers repotting services at Eucalyptus.
“If you can, it’s recommended that you wait until the spring to re-pot because in the winter we have less daylight hours, and the plants need more sunlight to adjust to a new planter,” Kocsis said.
Eucalyptus Houseplants and Home is located at 116 3rd Ave. in Neptune City and you can find them on Instagram @eucalyptusnj
Everyone has a moment where they look around their home and say to themselves: Ugh, I have to do something about this.
Sometimes, it’s too big and your budget or skill level won’t cooperate. That's OK; the big ones can wait. But for an eager DIYer who's itching to change up something at home, and wants to do it over a few days and for a price that won’t take a big bite out of their bank account, we spoke with Maria Martarella of Genuine Interiors in Red Bank to help come up with a handful of projects that most people can take on and feel both satisfied and proud when the job is done. You've got this!
Before you start on a project, you first have to choose what you want to tackle. It seems like a simple concept, but trying to do too many rooms at once, or picking a project that is beyond your skill level, is how DIYers get discouraged, Martarella warns.
"Start on something simple and something where you can get the jitters out," she says. "People tackle too much at one time. Take one room in your home and do what you can do.
"If you sprinkle a little here and sprinkle a little there, you're going to get an unfinished look and you're going to be frustrated."
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ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINEThere's a massive library of resources available to homeowners looking to tackle a project, and Martarella urges everyone to tap into it.
"There's so much technology out there. Go on YouTube and you can learn how to put up wallpaper."
She also notes that a lot of companies have leaned into the DIY market by making installation videos for projects that seem intimidating, like replacing a kitchen faucet, but could be done by following the thorough instructions put out by the manufacturer.
Hire a pro. Painting a room is something that most homeowners can do on their own, though it might get a little bit messy. Changing your cabinet hardware is a task most can tackle easily. Want a new mailbox for instant curb-appeal? The only skill you really need for that project is the ability to dig a hole.
But if something is too complicated or you're struggling to wrap your head around the scope of the project, that's where industry experts like Martarella can step in.
"Everybody thinks this is for the elite and is very expensive. But it’s really not," she says. "A designer will give you guidance and tell you what to tackle first and do it in phases for you."
She adds that design services can help a homeowner when their project graduates from being DIY and needs a general contractor to take over.
"I put together the look for you and now you have a 3D visual of where furniture will go, where lighting will go. Now you have something to literally show your contractor and say: this is where I want to go."
Genuine Interiors is located at 103 Maple Ave. in Red Bank. You can follow them on Instagram @genuine_interiors
Maria's picks for a simple refresh
Swap outdated knobs and pulls for trendy ones.
Pro tip: Look for budget-friendly hardware packs.
Try shiplap or beadboard; go bold with a gallery wall. Mix textures for visual interest.
Pro tip: Try removable wallpaper.
Transform your space with a fresh coat. Light colors for small rooms, bold for focal walls.
Pro tip: Create geometric shapes with painter’s tape for added interest.
Boost curb appeal effortlessly. Opt for modern house numbers and a sleek mailbox.
Pro tip: Use durable materials for longevity.
Thirsty for something different, but still green, on St. Patrick's Day?
You don't have to put food coloring in your beer to make a green drink on St. Patrick's Day – though we fully support that move!
If you're looking for something a little bit different, try the Mint Chocolate Chip Martini from Rooney's in Long Branch. It's as green as the Emerald Isle.
• 1 oz Stoli vanilla
• ¾ oz creme de menthe
• ¾ oz creme de cacao
• ¾ oz Bailey's Irish cream
• 1 oz half & half
Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Take your martini glass and drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass. Give the shaker a good shake, until it’s almost too cold to hold, pour into the glass and enjoy!
Or ... you could go to Rooney’s at 100 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch, and have the bar staff make one for you.
Turning every couple’s vision into timeless, elegant, bespoke floral design.
bespokefloral.com
732.724.1228
2100 NJ-66, Neptune, New Jersey 07753
V
@BespokeFloralinc
BBespoke Floral and Event Design
EVERY THURSDAY IN MARCH
Twisted Trivia
Twin Lights Brewing Company | 7:00 PM
Twin Lights Brewing Co. invites you to “embark on an intellectual adventure” with their host, Willy G, and test your knowledge from science to pop culture and everything in between. Form a team, stop by their Tinton Falls event space and test your wits against the competition for bragging rights and prizes. More information is available at twinlightsbrewing.com/events.
MARCH 3RD
Asbury Lanes | 12:30 PM
Created with women's empowerment in mind, Fourth Wave Fest aims to raise the voices of women musicians to help their community, and themselves in the process. Lineup and tickets are available at www.fourthwavefest.org, and profits from the event are being donated to 180 Turning Lives Around.
MARCH 10TH
Along Ocean and Cookman avenues | 1:00 PM
Beginning at the intersection of Ocean and 4th avenues, the parade travels southeast and adjacent to the iconic boardwalk while featuring marching bands and floats, neighborhood associations and charities, scouts, dance groups and more. In all, nearly 70 organizations take part in the event. For more information, visit www.asburyparkstpatricksparade.com.
MARCH 17TH
The Celtic Cottage | 11:00 AM
Craving some corned beef? This West End staple is serving up a St. Patrick's Day menu that's sure to please. And, yes, they have Guinness.
MARCH 23RD
Monmouth Beach Yoga & Wellness | 1:00 PM
Join Krista Lynn, Jewelry Designer and Creative Spiritual Workshop Facilitator, as she takes you through a spiritual and intuitive event where you make your own Mala Beads. The Mala is a strand of beads traditionally used for counting during meditations; yours will mostly consist of wood with gemstones accented throughout.
Cost: $50/per person (supplies included)
Reservation: Call Lisa Matthews, 973-452-2828
MARCH 30TH
Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University | 8:00 PM
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter visits Long Branch for a one-night performance with Harris. Both performers work in evocative themes. "I'm the kind of songwriter who writes what I see in the world right now," Gauthier says of her approach. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.monmouth.edu/mca/series/performing-arts/
What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.
For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.
Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. In short, we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.
What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.
Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.
Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”
Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”
Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!