Morris, NJ April 2024

HOME + DESIGN

BEYOND SHADE: PERGOLA TECH-TRENDS FOR ULTIMATE OUTDOOR LIVING!

REAL ESTATE A SHORE THING

FOOD + BEVERAGE CRAFTING HISTORY: THE AULD SHEBEEN PUB

April: Investing In You

Investment isn't just about finance; it's about pouring our time, energy, and love into things that light up our lives. Whether it's nurturing our community, building relationships, or just taking care of ourselves, it's all about creating positive vibes.

Let's talk about our awesome local communities – supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations is like giving them a big high-five. Volunteering? That's like investing in the coolest stock ever – the future!

Now, financial investment? It's like planting seeds that grow into a money tree for the future. On a personal level, investing in family and relationships is like sprinkling happiness all around. The joy we share with our loved ones creates this amazing ripple effect that makes life oh-so-awesome.

So, here's my 2024 goal: invest more time in things that bring me joy. Every day is a chance to embrace the awesome gift of life – spending quality time with my family, exploring new places with friends, and soaking in the pure joy of simple pleasures. What's your joy recipe? What are you investing time in?

Our stories in this issue go beyond the dollars and cents. We've got a hidden gem at the Hanover Marriott, The Auld Shebeen, insights on investing in an LBI shore home for some great potential weekly rental revenue, and a story on how an outdoor investment in an innovative Pergola can turn your home into a happy place.

This is not just an Investment issue – it's a celebration of the awesome ways we invest in ourselves, relationships, community, and finances. Dive into these uplifting stories and let the good vibes inspire your unique journey. Can't wait to bump into you around town and share some smiles!

If you’re looking to grow your business, brand, product or service and would to advertise with us or have local stories to share, reach out to John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com or call us at 973-944-1440.

We look forward to seeing you around town!

ANA MEYER AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @MORRISCITYLIFESTYLE

BUILT TO LAST

Since 1980

Welcome Chatham’s Mexican Spice to our Morris City Lifestyle Family!

“Mexican Spice in Chatham NJ is about as authentic as it gets. We are passionate about our culture, traditions, food and ingredients as well as presentation, customs and celebrations. We cook from scratch, and it shows. We offer eat in, take out, corporate and private catering as well as two taco trucks, a mobile cantina and even a churro cart for any occasion. We love to delight!” Jennifer Teutli, Chef/Owner www.mexicanspice.net

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THE ART OF HOME SERVICE

Exteriors Gives The White-Glove Experience You (And Your Home) Will Love

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RWJ EXTERIORS

In the realm of white-glove service, visions of exotic cars, private jets, and world-class specialists often dance in our minds. Yet, the domain of roofing, siding, and replacement windows and doors rarely earns a place on this illustrious list. RJW Exteriors, however, is changing that narrative.

RJW

“We use technology at every turn, including 3D renderings of your home. It’s really design backed by science.”

At least not until now. RJW Exteriors is doing their level best to add that to this list. The expectation of homeowners when they begin the process of improving or repairing problems in their home is probably dreading the process and hoping for the best. They anticipate it’s going to be a slog, rife with problems and delays from a company that leaves them with more questions than answers. “Every project we undertake is a custom project,” explains Lucy Casey, Creative Marketing Manager of RJW Exteriors. “It’s all focused on our client from the beginning. Once they call us, we begin the process of visiting with them, designing the project around their specific needs and expectations, and building a team around what they need to have done.”

“Each home is different, with its own situation. You can’t provide the best service with guesswork and cookie-cutter answers. We’ll look at underlying causes, how the home is built, and what issues each

project might face. That’s how we fit the right solution to each home. Something as simple as how the sun hits each part of the house at different times of the day can have a major impact upon the outcome, and what should be done.

“We use technology at every turn, including 3D renderings of your home. It’s really design backed by science.” Besides the bespoke project, the best part might just be the knowledge that you won’t be chasing some unreachable contractor that has conflicting schedules and questionable accountability. When you partner with this company, they provide a dedicated project manager to your home that will keep the lines of communication open. The white glove service doesn’t become a white-knuckle experience for an RJW Exteriors client.

“We have a seven-step process with every one of our clients,” according to Casey. “It begins with their call. We’ll schedule a visit to come for a free design

consultation before they even become a client. Once they agree to do the work, we prepare them for what’s going to happen and keep them informed throughout the process. We’ll even reach out to their neighbors to let them know what we’ll be doing to make them aware of any noise or distractions that might occur. It’s important to us to ensure a quality experience from beginning to end.”

Home remodeling projects aren’t an impulse buy. Once they give you an estimate for your project, RJW Exteriors locks in your pricing for a full year, so no matter what market changes that might happen – and let’s face it, inflation is real everywhere – the price won’t change. It’s a guaranteed, sustainable cost.

The goal isn’t to pile up projects and move on. It’s to make sure once a project is completed, the homeowner feels like they’ve had the best possible experience. They’ve made this a goal throughout their nearly 30-year history. One of their clients gushed about what the process was like for her. “It started with an intelligent and non-pressuring spokesperson. Our project was completed by competent, caring, talented and careful workers. We enjoyed working with everyone in the company. In fact, they made us feel like family.”

Call (862) 263-9733 and visit www.rjwexteriors.com

BEYOND SHADE: PERGOLA TECH-TRENDS FOR ULTIMATE OUTDOOR LIVING!

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

CHRIS

Learn how strategic investments in pergola technologies create a haven of luxury and innovation.

Gone are the days when pergolas were mere wooden structures confined to the past. Step into the future of outdoor living with a visionary duo – Aaron Thall and Chris Wehmeyer, founders of PergolaHaus, where outdoor innovation meets luxury!

“Traditional pergolas had four columns and a series of cross beams that didn’t move, and were usually made out of wood,” says Aaron Thall, contrasting them with the newer, modern bioclimatic pergolas that respond intelligently to the climate. Rainy day? No problem. The louvered roofs automatically close, sparing you the mad dash to protect your patio furniture. Hosting an event? Stay dry as you revel in the seamless harmony of technology and nature.

PergolaHaus is an authorized dealer for Renson®, a cutting-edge manufacturer from Belgium, renowned for their forward-thinking designs. Crafted from extruded aluminum, these pergolas defy decay, ensuring longevity and aesthetic appeal. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. The company is also an authorized dealer for SOLISYSTEME® pergolas from France and Markilux retractable awnings from Germany, offering a trifecta of high-end choices catering to various lifestyles and budgets.

Aaron and Chris collaborate closely with homeowners and business owners, turning their outdoor dreams into reality. From standalone structures to façade-mounted extensions, these pergolas transcend conventional boundaries. One delighted Delaware customer has ingeniously transformed his pergola into a home extension of his kitchen, complete with stonework walls, retractable screens, and sliding glass doors. It serves as an outdoor kitchen and dining space, a testament to the versatility these pergolas bring.

The dynamic duo at PergolaHaus notes a significant shift in trends. “Before 2020, most homeowners sought shade solutions for outdoor dining or poolside lounging. However, COVID accelerated a shift towards multi-purpose outdoor living and entertainment,” explains Aaron. What was once a quest for retractable screens and dimmable lighting has evolved into long-term investments like heaters, outdoor fireplaces, and custom entertainment walls with flat screen TVs and wireless speakers.

Chris adds, “Pergolas, once considered a summertime indulgence, have now become a year-round luxury with high-tech upgrades.” Clients attest to the transformative impact, with one noting, “My new Renson pergola features louvers which close automatically in the rain, retractable shades which close for privacy, LED lights for nighttime, and heat for those chilly evenings.”  They also come with remotes, so if the sun gets too hot, you can just hit a button to adjust the angle of the louvers and enjoy some shade.

Expanding beyond residential projects, PergolaHaus also collaborates with architectural firms and designers for high-end commercial amenity spaces in New Jersey and nationwide.

Investing in a high-end pergola from PergolaHaus is not just about shade – it’s about adding beauty, function, and versatility to your space. As Michael R. from Glencoe, IL attests, “Our Renson pergola from PergolaHaus, has quickly become the 2nd most used space of our home! The motorized screens do a great job cutting the wind, allowing the heaters inside the pergola to keep the temperature comfortable enough to enjoy sitting out by the gas firepit, watching movies & football outside even in the cold months (hint, the screens have doubled as an outdoor projector screen, what an awesome bonus!)”

We invite you to step into the world of innovative, luxury, “outdoor rooms”, and get inspired by design ideas, styles, and options. Invest in your open-air living at PergolaHaus.com today.

““A lot of homeowners who rent also block time for themselves.”

When it comes to real estate, location is always important, whether it’s for your primary residence or a vacation home. The great thing about a vacation home is that while you can enjoy it with your friends and family, you can also rent it out and have an investment property that brings in weekly revenue. The better the location, and quality of the home, the higher the weekly rent you can charge.

Long Beach Island, long a desired destination for many families, has beautiful beaches, fun activities, amazing restaurants and wonderful shopping. “Every time you cross over the bridge, even though you’re still in New Jersey, it absolutely feels like you’re somewhere else,” says Alisa Molbert, a Realtor Associate®  with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zack Shore, REALTORS® in Ship Bottom.

The weekly rentals, according to Alisa, “from bayfront to beachfront and everything in between can range from $2,500 to $25,000 weekly depending on the location and property.”

The average rental price, she says, has increased from $5,200 in 2020 to $6,925 as of February 2024. One of her current listings, though it has never been rented before, has the potential to bring in $3,500 weekly rental income or $35,000 for a 10-week summer season. You can enjoy a few weeks for yourself and rent out the rest both in season and yes, even off season. The demand is there.

People also enjoy renting in the off season, when the beaches are quieter, but the water is still warm. There are also plenty of activities on the island as well such as Kite Fest and Chowder Fest in the fall. And, as a bonus, dogs are allowed on the beach in the off season, so you can bring your furry family member on vacation with you!

Although rental rates are not as high in the off season, they are still very impressive. Let’s look at an example of Alisa’s current three bedroom, two bath 1,200 SF beautiful listing located at 9006 Long Beach Blvd #B in Long Beach Twp, NJ.  “In May, June, October and November, there is the potential of $2,500 weekly or more, property specific.”  With a potential of the additional 16 weeks of rental income, it has the potential to bring in an estimated $40,000 in off-season rental income.  Combine both the ten weeks in season of $35,000 and the additional 16 weeks off season, the property has a potential rental income of $75,000 for only 26 weeks of use!

People also like to rent during the holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter. It’s a unique way to celebrate. “I estimate those rental rates would be about $2,000 for the week,” says Alisa.

Buyers who are interested in a rental LBI investment property should look at the home’s prior rental history (if it’s been rented before) or benchmark similar properties to estimate and forecast the potential weekly rental income it can bring. Again, location matters. “Beach Haven, on the south side of the island, tends to be more popular with families because of Fantasy Island,” she says. “There’s also Bay Village for shopping and lots of restaurants.

“Towards the north side of the island, Surf City is very popular because renters can walk or bike to restaurants and shops.” The farther north you go, the quieter it gets, and that’s a great sanctuary for people looking for a more restful vacation.

Since inventory is still low, Alisa recommends looking for properties as soon as possible if you want to be in this summer. Even if you don’t want to invest in a rental property, investing in an LBI shore house brings many impressive financial rewards.

“In 2020, the average sales price in LBI was $1.192M,” she says. “At the end of 2023, the average sales price was $1.938M. That’s quite a bump. You can put your money into these properties and watch them gain equity because we are still anticipating prices to continue to increase for years to come.”

Whether you are looking for a wonderful summer vacation home to enjoy with your family

or a revenue generating LBI property, the data shows that it can be great investment to add to your portfolio.

Alisa is not only an award winning LBI Realtor, but she is also a long-time resident of Long Beach Island. If you are curious about options and are looking to own a shore house, go to LongBeachIslandListings.com and reach out to Alisa at AMolbert@ZackShore.com.

Every time you cross over the bridge, even though you’re still in New Jersey, it absolutely feels like you’re somewhere else. “ ”

LBI Fantasy Island

LBI Sunrise

LBI Beach

INVEST IN CULINARY HERITAGE:

THE AULD SHEBEEN PUB

FROM ANCIENT OAKS TO CULINARY CLASSICS: UNVEILING THE RICH TAPESTRY OF IRISH HERITAGE

Get ready for a local Irish adventure through The Auld Shebeen, nestled inside the Hanover Marriott, where history, flavors, and tunes collide in a whirlwind of Irish magic! Over 90 percent of the material used to create the pub, from the flooring to the woodwork, is authentic Irish salvage from century old structures imported from Ireland. The Auld Shebeen was first constructed in Belfast, Ireland and then was taken apart and shipped to

ARTICLE BY BEN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY

Fresh Prepared Chicken Pot Pie

be reconstructed at the Hanover Marriott. From the moment you step inside, you are embraced by the warmth and authenticity of a genuine Irish pub. Completing your authentic Irish experience is their chef-prepared, savory, classic Irish dishes. Let’s explore what makes The Auld Shebeen an authentic Irish experience to share with friends and family dinners!

Step Back in Time: The Auld Shebeen is divided into five areas, with a piece of Irish History in every corner which include, the Dining Room and Library, the Brewery Area  and the Grocery Shop. Let’s begin with the Dining Room and Library. Crafted from solid oak sourced from a central Belfast mansion’s library, this oak—once gracing English mansions—has

“THE AULD SHEBEEN’S MENU UNFOLDS LIKE A CULINARY MAP THROUGH IRISH HERITAGE.”

been rejuvenated from beams salvaged from a 400-year-old Catholic school in Dundalk, Co Louth.

Brewing Rebellion: The Brewery, in the heart of the main bar area, is a shrine to Ireland’s spirited rebellion. An 18th-century Poitin still shares clandestine distillation tales from a Dublin farmhouse’s outskirts. Unique architectural details abound, such as church kneelers from Maynooth and a bar counter crafted from Co. Galway church seats. Look up and notice the trusses dating back to the late 1700s and the beams shipped to Hanover, NJ, from an abandoned church in Cahirciveen, Co Kerry.

A Symphony of Ages: Another area, the Grocery Shop, features cabinets sourced from Monastervin’s spirit grocer and a pine floor from Stormont Castle, over 200 years old! In the Cottage Area at the rear, the tile flooring speaks of Dublin’s Scullery houses, also shipped from Ireland, and a water pump and sink from an 1800s Belfast country house complete this visual rural symphony.

Foodie Wonderland: Onto the culinary delights! The Auld Shebeen’s menu unfolds like a culinary map through Irish heritage. Signature dishes like Fish n’ Chips, Chicken Pot Pie, Cottage

Pie, and heavenly Bread Pudding pay homage to traditional recipes. They also offer “Pub” fare, featuring sandwiches, salads, and enticing entrees. Taste the freshness in every chef-prepared dish and every bite!

Live Melodies and Merriment: Irish pubs are synonymous with live music, and The Auld Shebeen lives up to the tradition. Once a month, The Coffin Ships take the stage, playing Irish sing-alongs that uplift spirits. On special occasions you can see John and Danny, bagpipers extraordinaire, adding a traditional touch. The pub resonates with laughter, song, and the joyous clinking of glasses.

Sips of History: Dive into the bar’s extensive selection of Irish spirits, including 11 distinct Irish Whiskeys and classic drafts like Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp, and more! Unique concoctions like the Irish Mule and the famed Irish Coffee, with Jameson and fresh whipped cream, elevate the experience to a spirited celebration.

Cultural Celebrations: Beyond day-today operations, St. Patrick’s Day reigns supreme, with the pub adorned in festive banners, free necklaces, and classic Irish dishes. It’s a day when the essence of Ireland spills into every corner, creating a unique and memorable experience.

Whether you’re here for the taste of history, spirited tunes, or the curated selection of spirits, I invite you to experience The Auld Shebeen Pub. It is a hidden local gem where you can savor the past, embrace the present, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Ireland’s living heritage. Sláinte!

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“Kim was super helpful throughout the whole process. She really knew a lot about all the different neighborhoods we were considering and added more of our own. She came very prepared to our first meeting and was on top of anything we asked for ... We wondered before we met Kim how an agent could have so many 5-star ratings, but then we worked with her and it all made sense.“

- Maplewood, NJ

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