Newtown, PA June 2021

J U N E 2 02 1

The Men's Issue

LI F E + C U LTU R E T H E ROAD L ES S T R AVEL ED CARS AN D C O F F EE

TOM GRIMES PHOTOGRAPHY

Design a Life Well Lived / Full-Service Interior Design KARIN@KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM | WWW.KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM (609) 474-0069 | PENNINGTON , NEW JERSEY

WELCOME TO

THE ART OF MEDICINE + AESTHETICS IN ONE PRACTICE.

...WHERE YOUR SKIN CARE JOURNEY AWAITS

LASERS | BOTOX & FILLER | THREAD LIFTS | MEDICAL GRADE SKIN CARE @THEWELL_LOUNGE | 215-360-3940 | THEWELLNEWTOWN.COM

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2021 PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Life is a Highway

Stacy Graebner | stacy.graebner@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

THIS MONTH WE PRESENT OUR MEN’S ISSUE IN CELEBRATION OF FATHERS'

L AYO UT DESIGNER

DAY AND THE WONDERFUL FELLOWS IN OUR LIVES. We are often inspired by

Jayme Emery

the men in our community for the things they do, and the things they create. We truly have some talented gentleman in our midst. This month we have chosen to highlight a few local professionals who are not only talented, but who have taken significant risks to pursue their true passions. As the wise Dolly Parton once said “if you don’t like the road you are walking, start paving another one”… and these men have done just that.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Beth Crawford, Stacy Graebner, Donna Hoffman, Erno Valtri CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mike Napp, Alexandru Bruschini, Liv Graebner

Whether you find yourself on a well-travelled road, or an unbeaten path, traveling is always better in the seat of a sports car! We caught up with Erno Valtri, the founder of Bucks County Exotics, to tell us about the amazing community he has built through his monthly gathering of car enthusiasts.

As we head into summer many of us find ourselves with a little more time on our hands, and perhaps that means tackling those projects we’ve been putting off for months. In this issue, Donna Hoffman presents the latest home remodeling trends to get those DIY (or in my case, “Let’s call a contractor”) juices flowing. Summer may also inspire us to get back to healthy habits. Read our feature on The Well Lounge and learn how this med spa is taking an innovative approach to total well-being, both inside and out.

Lastly, we offer some serious summer cocktail recipes from Triple Sun Spirits that will

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

help you kick off summer and celebrate all that you do. First and foremost, you are

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

dads, granddads, uncles, and brothers, but beyond that, you are little league coaches,

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Boy Scout troop leaders, teachers, mentors and comedians. We thank you for the role

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

you play in building up the kids in our community and being outstanding role models!

Wherever the road may take you this summer and beyond, we hope you find fulfillment.

Happy Father’s Day!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN

Stacy Graebner, Editor

MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER a McLaren 570s on State Street

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE NAPP 4

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

Proverbs 3:5-6 Newtown Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Newtown areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Newtown Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2021

FEATURES 12 Cars and Coffee Bucks County Exotics brings car enthusiasts together

16 The Road Less Traveled 5 local professionals following unconventional paths to pursue their passion

22 The Well Lounge Meet the faces behind Newtown’s innovative new med spa

12 16

28 Sun’s Out Rum’s Out 3 Refreshing Summer Cocktails from Triple Sun Spirits

28

22

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

12

Driver’s Notebook

16

Local Limelight

28 Hops & Vine 32 Renovate & Refine 37 Realty Report 38 Culinary Creations

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AROUND TOWN

NEWTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FATHER'S DAY CAR CRUISE - JUNE 20TH The Newtown Business Association is having a classic car cruise on Sunday afternoon June 20th (rain date June 27th) featuring a caravan of classic and antique cars and trucks, model years up through 1996, in Newtown Borough and Township. Vehicles will assemble at a staging area, where a panel of judges will award winners of “Best in Class” in 6 categories: Pre-1959, 1960-1969, 19701979, 1980-1996, Foreign cars up through 1996 and Special Interest cars through 1996. After judging is complete, participating cars and trucks will roll out and “take the show to the people” in downtown Newtown and through a few larger neighborhoods

succulents, ponds, water features, and vegetable gar-

nearby. Interested car owners must pre-register

dens. Most properties feature dining areas that will be

online at www.NewtownBA.org; participants will

adorned with fresh flower arrangements courtesy of

be limited to the first 100 registered cars and trucks

our generous local florists. Tickets are $30.00 until May

(no walk-ins allowed). Registration per vehicle is

31st after which tickets will be $35.00. Included with

a minimum $10 donation, with an option for a $25

your ticket purchase will a booklet with maps, photos

or $50 contribution, with proceeds going to the

and descriptions of each garden, plus a garden bag

Wrightstown Food Cupboard. The deadline to

filled with fun gifts for the first 400 guests. Want free

register online is June 11th, or until spaces are filled,

tickets? Become a Bucks Beautiful Charter Member

at www.NewtownBA.org.

and receive complimentary tour admission plus exclusive access from 10 to 11 a.m. Tickets and Memberships

BUCKS BEAUTIFUL'S ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR RETURNS

can be purchased online at www.bucksbeautiful.org, or by phone at 215-340-3639.

Sunday June 13, 2021 from 11 am-4 pm, Bucks never been publicly shown. The inspiring mix of gar-

JEAN CHILDS BUZGO SOLO SHOW, VIBRANCE, AT THE SILVERMAN GALLERY

dens selected this year range from a quaint cottage to

Jean Childs Buzgo, an award winning artist is

a historic estate. Bucks County Master Gardeners will

premiering her solo show, VIBRANCE beginning

be on hand to offer expertise as you peruse specimen

May 15th through June 19th at the Silverman

trees, beloved perennials, colorful annuals, container

Gallery. Jean has a full-time studio in Bucks

Beautiful invites you to visit six hidden jewels that have

Haldeman Lexus of Princeton Top Selection of New & Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles Just Minutes from Bucks County

Complimentary Valet Pickup & Car Wash for Service Complimentary PA State Inspection Included with all New Purchases

www.haldemanlexus.com | (609) 375-1000 8

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

|

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW 2021 LEXUS IS

2630 Brunswick Pike, Business Route #1 North, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

2021 SUMMER WINE & MUSIC SERIES AT CROSSING VINEYARDS & WINERY Crossing Vineyards and Winery will be hosting a Summer Wine and Music Series with performances on Fridays, 7 pm, rain or shine beginning June 18th with The Fabulous Grease Band: '50s to '90s Rock 'n Roll. Tickets are $15 in advance (buy online and save!), or $20 the day of the concert. Bring a lawn chair. Wine, beer, Crossing “Crushies” and light bites available for purchase.

No outside beverages are permitted (BYO food is allowed for concerts). Advance ticket purchase suggested and all ticket sales are final.

Performers subject to change without notice.

County, and her impressionist and expressionist

www.crossingvineyards.com/public-events

pieces reside in private collections both nationally

and

internationally. Silverman

Gallery,

4920 York Road, Route 202, Holicong, PA 18928. Five miles south of New Hope and just north of PA 413 in the Buckingham Green Shopping Visit

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

https://silvermangallerybuckscountypa.com

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

for more information. “A Forest” (36x36, Mixed

com/Newtown using the Get In Touch link and let

Media on canvas)

us know what you think.

Center (shows

Doylestown

on

maps).

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

9

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CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

11

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

CARS AND C OF F E E

Bucks County Exotics Founder Erno Valtri with his Lotus Evora

12

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

ARTICLE ERNO VALTRI | PHOTOGRAPHY LIV GRAEBNER

“CARS AND COFFEE” GROUPS HAVE BEEN POPPING

sports cars, and some really unusual things too. Which brings

UP AROUND THE UNITED STATES AS A WAY FOR

up the question, “How do you define exotic?”

CAR ENTHUSIASTS AND COLLECTORS TO GATHER

Expensive comes quickly to mind of course, though

TOGETHER TO SHARE THEIR LOVE OF CARS WITH

exclusive, rare, odd, unusual, and just plain weird also qual-

OTHER LIKE-MINDED AUTOMOBILE FANATICS. We asked

ify. We get ‘em all. When’s the last time you saw a Levi’s

Erno Valtri, founder of a local “cars and coffee” group called

Edition AMC Gremlin? (The upholstery is denim and there’s

Bucks County Exotics to tell us about this vibrant community

a Levi’s logo on the fenders.)

that started with an idea, a cup of coffee, a few friends, and of course, their cars!

An unexpected surprise was the interest BCX gets from local auto-related businesses. Dealerships sometimes bring

It wasn't long after I purchased my new sports car in the

their latest model to a meet. Car storage facilities and detail-

summer of 2010 that I discovered what “Cars & Coffee” is.

ers like to hawk their services. Charities ask to have our cars

The first one originated in Irvine, California in 2006 and the

parade their locations, and they also find creative ways to raise

fun quickly spread all over the country.

funds. BCX has participated in many such worthy causes.

I went to the two closest C&Cs I could find, in West

I get great personal satisfaction out of the entire experience.

Chester, PA and Marlton, NJ, and had a ball, meeting fellow

I’ve made all kinds of connections within the auto industry,

enthusiasts and talking cars of all kinds in a super cool, casual

and it’s not just strictly cars. There are museums, restaurants,

atmosphere. Both of these C&Cs host any kind of car you can

open houses hosted by related businesses, covered bridge

imagine and, unfortunately, both are an hour away from my

tours; all sorts of related lifestyle activities. And I’ve made lots

home here in Bucks County.

of good friends too. Most importantly though is the pleasure I

What to do? I called every sports car owning friend I

see in so many people who simply enjoy the meets and make

knew… all five of them, and we had our first meet ten years

new friends. The camaraderie, the sharing, and everyone’s

ago, on October 1, 2011, in Doylestown.

enthusiasm is really rewarding. And the kids! Seeing cars they

I decided to call our version of C&C “Bucks County

thought were only toys or in cartoons… it’s priceless.

Exotics” for two reasons. To avoid any copyright concerns

Bucks County Exotics meets on the first and third Saturdays

regarding the phrase Cars & Coffee, and to aim our new

of each month, weather permitting, from 8am to 10am in the

C&C specifically at sports cars rather than all cars. It

Doylestown Pointe Plaza (1661 Easton Road, Warrington, PA).

worked. Here we are ten years later, routinely attracting

You can learn more about these free events which are open to

100+ cars on a nice day, drawing from Bucks, Montgomery

the public at www.BucksCountyExotics.com.

and Hunterdon counties.

While we get plenty of super-awesome and expensive

Erno Valtri of Buckingham is a sculptor, graphic designer,

high-end cars (you know the names…Ferrari, Lamborghini,

wine columnist, and definitely a car guy. You can contact

Aston Martin, Maserati, et al), we also attract many vintage

Erno at Info@BucksCountyExotics.com CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

13

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER AND BETH CRAWFORD PHOTOGRAPHY JOE DANTONE

JUSTIN ZASLOW CO-OWNER, NAKED CHOCOLATE HTTPS://WWW.NKDCHOCOLATE.COM/ I figured out early that there are two kinds of people in this world. People who eat to live and people who live to eat. I am the latter. My culinary journey began by studying holistic nutrition in NYC. I was then lucky enough to be accepted to the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York. I completed culinary school and apprenticed under my father-in-law, Tom Block as well as Swiss chocolatier Jean Pierre Meyenberg of Pierre’s Chocolates. The past 12 years I have been honing my craft and developing the business plan for the evolution of Naked Chocolate. Currently, we are manufacturing all of our confections in house from scratch. I am so proud of what we have done so far in our short two years.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU PROFESSIONALLY? I feel like I have a unique responsibility to source and share the very best cacao in the world with our customers.

Ultimately, I’d like to build a successful brand and make my wife and kids proud.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I was selected with 6 other chocolatiers from across the country to travel to Ecuador and witness the cacao harvest.

The trip proved to be both educational and inspirational. I realized that the finished product was not the whole part of the puzzle. Responsibly sourcing the very best cacao from small family farms via direct trade became our mission. We believe that ensuring proper wages for the hard working cacao farmers is not only the right thing to do, but it is also imperative for the sustainability of cacao.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE COMMUNITY? As a small family business, we pride ourselves on supporting local and our community. Whether through local collaborations with other like-minded businesses, donating chocolate to charity or participating in fundraisers, we always have our community in mind. Naked Chocolate is also serious about reducing our carbon footprint. Our packaging is fully recyclable or biodegradable and we aim to have the least amount of waste possible.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Never be afraid to fail.

16

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

MEET 5 LOCAL PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE FOLLOWING UNCONVENTIONAL PATHS TO PURSUE THEIR PASSION

the road less t r av e l e d

CLIFTON WILSON FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, THE CLIFTON WILSON BRAND HTTPS://CLIFTONWILSON.NET/ I am the Founder and Creative Director of Clifton Wilson, a men’s accessory brand. When I started my previous brand called Armstrong & Wilson I was the FedEx guy in Newtown for 11 years. I used to write or place little stickers on my FedEx deliveries with my website on them. I started receiving orders from people on my route and they had no idea that the FedEx guy delivering their Armstrong & Wilson order was actually the owner and designer of the brand.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND LAUNCHING THE CLIFTON WILSON BRAND? Covid was a blessing in disguise for me. My partner and I decided to close down the A&W brand after 10 years. My passion for creativity and designing led me to create unique luxury face masks. They were featured on the news and in magazines.

That’s when I decided to launch my own brand a week before Christmas 2020.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU PROFESSIONALLY? My family is my motivation. Honestly, there are plenty of days when I feel overwhelmed, but the thought of leaving something behind for my kids or great grandkids pushes me on my weakest days.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Getting my brand picked up by Nordstrom. Before working for FedEx, I was a sales associate at Nordstrom. To start my own brand then sell to Nordstrom department stores was a great feeling.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE ON THE COMMUNITY? For six years I had children from inner-city schools come to my office every Wednesday to teach them about entrepreneurship and fashion. I love to show kids in the same neighborhoods that I grew up in that you can still accomplish your dreams even in neighborhoods that don’t provide much hope.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? I would tell my younger self to not stereotype people. Treat everyone kind an as individuals until that person gives you a reason not to trust them.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? That I’m actually shy! Growing up i had a very bad stuttering problem and was teased a lot. My mother had me in speech therapy for years, so I never spoke to many people until my early adult life.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

17

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

K R I S T O F E R K WA N T OWNER, TRIPLE SUN SPIRITS HTTPS://WWW.TRIPLESUNSPIRITS.COM/ At Triple Sun, we pride ourselves on being a small batch distillery that crafts premium spirits using only the finest and freshest ingredients to create spirits and cocktails. Up until 2018, I led Learning and Development at a pharmaceutical company. At that time, I had been home brewing beer for nearly 20 years with hopes of opening a brewery. After experimenting with the distilling process, that ultimately became the path I pursued. The years spent mastering the perfect beer were not in vain, as most quality liquor begins with quality beer.

We opened the distillery in Emmaus, PA in 2015 and the tasting room came a year later. The Newtown tasting room opened in July 2018, and in November 2020 we opened in the Mercantile at Doylestown.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU PROFESSIONALLY? My work in Learning and Development was about helping people.

Triple Sun Spirits is about helping to bring people together. The tasting rooms were created to provide a positive space for community members to gather, network, socialize, and interact.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I am most proud of being a father to my three sons, hence the business name “Triple Sun Spirits”. I am also proud to have built this business from scratch. As with anything worthwhile, it was not an easy task. I worked both jobs for years before being able to solely focus on Triple Sun Spirits. There were definitely times I thought of walking away, but with a combination of perseverance and tenacity, Triple Sun Spirits is here today.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE COMMUNITY? Once Covid is behind us, my hope is for our tasting rooms to, once again, become a place where people gather to enjoy each other’s company; a place where relationships strengthen. All of us at Triple Sun Spirits are about giving back to the community. We have hosted numerous community events and fundraisers. Last year, when the pandemic hit, our team worked tirelessly to successfully produced 600 gallons of hand sanitizer which we sold at cost as a way of doing our part during a crazy time.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Never underestimate your worth, never overestimate your value.

18

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

MIKE GREEN OWNER AND DIRECTOR, BRIARWOOD DAY CAMP WWW.BRIARWOODDAYCAMP.COM I got into the camp business because camp was always such a big

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU PROFESSIONALLY?

and meaningful part of my life when I was younger. I loved going to

I – and everyone at Briarwood – take a lot of pride in working hard

camp as a kid and had an amazing experience. Some of my best friends

to get things right so we can help give kids unforgettable experi-

to this day are friends from camp. In fact, in 2009, I bought Briarwood

ences and the summers of their lives like we had when we were kids.

with my friend Matt Frankel who was my bunkmate at Camp Saginaw.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?

I’m biased, but I’d say that I’m proudest of having a nice family.

I was working as a lawyer in Center City. I started my own firm in 2001 and was doing well. However, as my practice began to grow, I was work-

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE COMMUNITY

ing 60-70 hours per week, with three very young kids at home. I hired

THROUGH YOUR WORK?

more people, but the workload never seemed to change for me. It’s not

Christa McAuliffe – the teacher who died on the Space Shuttle in

that I was unhappy being a lawyer, but I thought the work pace might

the 1980s – said, “I touch the future – I teach.” At Briarwood, we are

be unsustainable in the long run. I looked around and said, “What’s

working with generations of young kids, trying to help them be well

changing?” And then I asked myself, “What am I working for?” If the

rounded and, more importantly, nice people.

point of working is to earn money and give yourself options, I wanted to see what other options I had. I knew – or thought I knew – about the

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT FEW PEOPLE KNOW

camp business. I wanted to be part of a business where I could be part

ABOUT YOU?

of something positive and be able to watch my kids grow up. So when the opportunity to buy Briarwood Day Camp came up, I gave it a shot.

I was a clown in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

19

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

TIM AMOROSO EXECUTIVE CHEF, HARVEST SEASONAL GRILL AND WINE BAR HTTPS://HARVESTSEASONAL.COM/ NEWTOWN-RESTAURANT/ Working in the restaurant industry has always been a passion of mine. It started when I was very little; I remember working in the kitchen with my great grandmother from Sicily - that’s where my love of food started. I’ve been with Harvest for 5 years and opened the Newtown location in 2017.

WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR POSITION AT HARVEST? Six years ago, I took a position in Philadelphia that was less demanding on my schedule. My wife Danielle and I had our first child, and I wanted to make sure I was home for the first year of my daughter’s life. My sacrifice was giving up on food that I was passionate about. A year went by and I missed creating amazing food and using fresh local ingredients. That’s when I found Harvest. I grew up in Langhorne I knew this would pose an amazing opportunity to open a restaurant and provide great food for people I know.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU PROFESSIONALLY? My family is number 1: I do everything for my wife and daughter.

Over the last year, dealing with the tough restrictions on the restaurant industry I have found a new motivation: my employees. Seeing their resilience after being laid off for months at a time is more than enough motivation to push forward to provide a great atmosphere for them to work. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come in the last year.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE COMMUNITY? I want our community to have a restaurant they can call home and that feels like family. I believe our food makes everyone feel great about themselves. I do that by providing healthier options and also featuring and creating partnerships with our local farms in the community.

There are so many amazing farms right in our backyard. It’s an honor to be able to source these products and feature them in my kitchen.

SOMETHING THAT FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? My wife and I went to high school together but we weren’t actually friends. In her yearbook I wrote how my mom’s sauce is better than her mom’s, so we must have talked about food at some point. We reconnected almost 10 years later over our love for corvettes. We Immediately fell in love and haven’t left each other’s side since.

20

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

Tiffany Thomas-Smith, Esquire

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

21

the well

lounge ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER

STEP INSIDE THE WELL LOUNGE, THE NEW BEAUTIFULLY

we are not trying to sell people individual “band-

DESIGNED MED SPA LOCATED NEXT TO THE NEWTOWN

aid” treatments. Instead, we are selling lifestyle

ATHLETIC CENTER, AND YOU IMMEDIATELY ENTER A REALM

treatments that will allow people to have long

THAT IS BOTH SERENE AND WELCOMING, WITH ITS SOARING

lasting results well into the future”. Tracy said

WINDOWS AND TASTEFUL DÉCOR. The immaculate new facility,

that while some clients come to her looking for

which launched last March under the ownership Dr. Seth Althoff,

“sprinkle” treatments – a little Botox here and

offers the latest wellness, health and beauty technologies following a

there, or perhaps a quick-fix filler, she believes

philosophy that is centered on a holistic approach to well-being, unify-

that addressing the overall health of one’s skin

ing inner health with outer beauty. In addition to providing Concierge

should first be the first priority. Reducing skin

Medicine services that support overall health and illness prevention,

damage and signs of aging and improving the

The Well Lounge also offers a full line of aesthetic skin treatments,

quality of one’s skin as a foundation allows for

including wrinkle relaxers, laser treatments, filler injections, and facial

maximum results from additional treatments

treatments, such as thread lifts, micro-needling, dermaplaning, and

such as wrinkle relaxers and fillers.

medical grade facials.

The first step in the process is a consul-

Tracy Nucera, the spa’s Director of Aesthetics, brings a wealth of knowl-

tation with Tracy or a member of her team.

edge and experience to the practice. A former ICU nurse at the University

“We initially sit down with our clients to dis-

of Pennsylvania, Tracy has been working in the field of medical aesthetics

cuss their concerns, goals and current life-

for over 17 years. Her background and expertise are evident in both the

style patterns. We have some people who

level of talent and compassion she brings to her leadership at the spa.

want to completely change the way they

Tracy fully believes that a client’s journey to looking and feeling their best

look; they want dramatic, “wow” changes

begins with a complete evaluation of their health and beauty routine. “Our

that people really notice. Others want very

goal at The Well Lounge is to develop a personalized treatment plan that

subtle changes – they just want to erase a

will address a client’s concerns for the long term. We believe in the impor-

few years and look refreshed and rejuve-

tance of taking care of your overall health in order to reach your goals. We

nated. I listen to what their overall goals are

want people to noticeably feel better and look better. With that in mind,

and take them very seriously.”

22

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

23

THE WELL LOUNGE (CONTINUED)

Many clients begin their evaluation with a VISIA skin

that help clients successfully reach their goals as efficiently

analysis. This allows aestheticians to take clinical photos

as possible. It’s not about trends, it’s about results”. One

showing the underlying condition of the skin, including

of the most popular treatments at the moment is the Halo

wrinkles, pore size, sun damage, and skin texture. VISIA

Hybrid Fractional Laser treatment which delivers noticeable

also provides a comparison of a client’s complexion to that

improvement in skin texture, fine lines, pore size, and uneven

of other men/women of the same age and ethnicity (yes,

skin tone after one treatment, with minimal downtime.

we must “face” the hard truth about the damage caused by

Kate Golden, The Well Lounge Executive Director, sings the

those carefree years of our youth spent basking in the sun

praises of Tracy’s ability to not only design successful treat-

and visiting tanning beds!). This comprehensive evaluation

ment plans, but also execute them with remarkable outcomes.

is often essential in developing an individualized skin care

“Tracy is a true artist. Not only have I seen her erase years off

regimen that matches a client’s complexion profile, and

of people’s appearance, I’ve seen her enhance clients’ features

enables them to track their progress over time.

by giving them a more sculpted jawline, or rejuvenating their

After reviewing the result of the scan, a full personalized treat-

neck area”. Tracy is excited to be bringing the next level of skin

ment plan is developed that may include a combination of skin

treatment to the community. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help

rejuvenation procedures as well as medical grade products for

clients feel amazing about their appearance and confident in

daily use. Tracy and her team always work within the expecta-

their own skin. I look forward to working with our clients to

tions of their clients, however. “I design a treatment plan that

create a plan to help them look and feel their best.”

they are comfortable with and that works within their timeframe and budget. We never push people in a direction that makes

The Well Lounge is open 5 days a week and by appointment

them uncomfortable or extends beyond their reach”.

on weekends. They cater to both men and women of all ages.

Tracy’s years of experience and training allow her to see

The staff knows that hectic schedules and busy lifestyles often

beyond trends and fads, and to focus on treatments that

makes it difficult to plan visits, so they offer flexible and ex-

are truly effective. “Over the years I’ve seen fads come and

tended hours, with access to nurses and aestheticians who are

go, so I can easily sift through what works and what doesn’t

available to answer questions when needed. For more infor-

work and establish the most effective treatments as the true

mation or to book a consultation or VIP party, please visit their

bread and butter of our practice. My focus is creating plans

website at https://thewellnewtown.com or call: 215-360-3940.

SKINCARE IS FOR MEN TOO! MEET CHARLIE. CHARLIE CAME IN TO CHECK OUT HIS SKIN AGE WITH OUR VISIA SKIN ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY.

ONCE WE WERE ABLE TO REVIEW HIS RESULTS, WE CREATED A LONG-TERM PLAN TO IMPROVE HIS SKIN AGE AND HEALTH.

VISIA skin analysis

24

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

Halo laser treatment

HALO Lase r

+ maintenan

ce plan +

+ treatmen t

p lan +

M e dical G rade S kincare Pro ducts

i on +

+ founda t

B B L Lase r &Neurotoxins

We started Charlie on the Z.O. Get

The HALO laser is a complete skin

After you reach your desired results,

Skin Ready Kit, which includes a

rejuvenation treatment. It improves

Broad Band Light (BBL) HERO is

gentle cleaner, complexion renewal

your overall tone and texture in addi-

a quick and efficient way to keep

pads, and an exfoliating polish to

tion to significant removal of discol-

your skin looking its best for years

add in weekly. Charlie has dry and

oration and scars, reduction in fine

to come. The BBL is recommended

sensitive skin, so we also added in

lines, reduced pore size, skin reflec-

every 3-4 months along with neu-

Daily Power Defense to protect his

tivity and glow. Whether you have

rotoxins (Botox, Dysport, etc.) to

skin from outside environmental

aging skin, spent too many days in

keep you looking and feeling your

damage and a Vitamin C.

the sun, or just want to get a brighter

best. Each visit we will evaluate

complexion, Halo can improve your

your results and adjust your daily

skin and boost your confidence.

skincare routine as we go.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

25

THE WELL LOUNGE (CONTINUED)

Q& A: G ett in g t o know Tra c y N uce ra , D i

r e c t o r of Aest h et ics

26

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND TRAINING After starting my nursing career over 20 years ago at the University of Pennsylvania in the surgical trauma ICU, I moved to San Diego and began working with a plastic surgeon starting my career in aesthetics. Before the “med spa” industry took off, I helped open one of San Diego’s premier med spas. I eventually moved back to the East Coast and began practicing again at a Dermatologist office. As my career progressed, I saw the industry - with the help of celebrities - focusing on changing the look of people and I knew I wanted to show my daughter that it wasn’t about changing the person, it was about making them be the best version of themself. I knew I wanted to open a practice where everyone felt welcome because we all deserve to feel beautiful.

WHAT IS YOUR TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY? We all deserve to feel beautiful, every day. And one single treatment does not accomplish this. My philosophy is to teach my patients how to bake a cake - I help them find the perfect ingredients for them - from the perfect home skincare routine to medical grade facials and peels and lasers- and then I ice the cake with the good stuff- threads, botox and fillers. The goal is to make you feel your most confident self and then maintain it.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF WORKING WITH CLIENTS? When a client says they feel beautiful or they didn’t know they “could feel like this AGAIN” - those are always my favorite.

Helping women and men have confidence to face the world is so rewarding.

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

Tracy Nucera, Director of Aesthetics

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

27

HOPS & VINE

SUMMER STATE OF MIND

3 SERIOUSLY REFRESHING SIGNATURE COCKTAILS FROM TRIPLE SUN SPIRITS

WHEN WE THINK OF SUMMER COCKTAILS

WE

OFTEN

THINK

LIGHT AND BREEZY. From June thru August, spritzers, sangria and those ubiquitous spiked seltzers have their moment in the sun… literally! But sometimes we crave a beverage that packs a little more punch. We asked General Manager Danielle Wittig and bartender Amber Figueredo at Triple Sun Spirits to share a few recipes for guys and gals who are looking for seriously refreshing cocktails with a little extra kick!

28

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

C

COCKTAILS ARTICLE BETH CRAWFORD AND AMBER FIGUEREDO

PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXANDRU BRUSCHINI

ORANGE MINT COOLER

BEST ENJOYED AFTER A ROUND OF GOLF + Muddled orange and mint + 1/4 oz lime juice

Strawberry Moonshine Julep

+ 2 oz spiced rum + 3/4 oz orange simple syrup + Club soda

STRAWBERRY MOONSHINE JULEP BEST ENJOYED ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON

BY THE POOL + Muddled mint and strawberries + 2oz corn whiskey + 1/4 oz simple syrup + 1/2 oz lemon juice + 1/4 oz strawberry purée + splash of water

The Bacon Jam Old Fashioned

THE BACON JAM OLD FASHIONED BEST ENJOYED WITH A NICE CIGAR + 2oz bourbon + 3/4 oz Whiskey Hollow Maple Syrup + a bar spoon of bacon jam + 2 dashes regular bitters + 2 dashes of orange bitters Orange Mint Cooler CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

29

CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC RENOVATION SMALL COMMERCIAL JOELPETTY.COM

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Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

215-321-4477

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Soft tissue techniques are combined with innovative, cutting-edge therapies to treat: + Strains & Sprains + Bursitis + Tendonitis + Fasciitis

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CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

31

RENOVATE & REFINE

trending home i m p r o ve m e n t s

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

ARTICLE DONNA HOFFMAN

HOME 32

CALL IT SPRING FEVER, CALL IT PANDEMIC FATIGUE, CALL IT “COME TO PAPPA.” No matter the energy behind it – home improvement is hot!

Whether done to increase your home value, or to increase your “quality of life value”, Design Lovers are investing in their home spaces in unprecedented numbers.

Here’s a recap of a discussion I had with a terrific client family of ours to answer their question: What are some home improvements

Another popular garage conversion now is cre-

we can consider for our current residence to

ating elaborate home offices, and home offices-

really enhance life and home?

for- 2, now that work-from-home is a new desire.

Popular trends and my recommendations include: Tricked Out “Sublevels”: It’s a euphemism, Garage Conversions: These are a hugely

I know, but just as “shag’ carpet became

popular now. Moving the gym from a windowless

“California Berber” (true!), the sublevel is

basement to a spacious first-floor space with

a.k.a…your basement.

windows is a power-move for the light-loving fitness fan.

Although that title upgrade costs no money, here are some improvements for down under that do come at a price, but may be worth it to you. Popular sublevel home improvements trends include: + Games Rooms for billiards and cards, but also decked out with table games like foosball, air hockey, ping-pong, plus a few pinball and arcade machines. Add some fun seating and it is a play space for all ages. Even the home furnishings world is heeding the call and producing some grrreat looking table games. + Home Bar & Entertaining spaces that take on a clubby, lounge feeling. + Media Rooms with deep cozy sectionals and the latest media technology. + Home Theaters with stadium seating (side note: these spaces should be shoebox shaped to function well). + Golf Simulators, however, these require adequate ceiling height or you’ll take out pieces of

Garage Conversions

your ceiling with each swing.

CONTINUED >

I M P ROVE M E NT S

RENOVATIONS THAT WILL ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME AND LIFESTYLE

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

33

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Tricked Out “Sublevels”

+ Wine Tasting Spaces. These can include not just lounge seating for tasting, but also an attached temperature-controlled storage space, complete with expansive viewing windows if you love displaying a collection. + Yoga Studios/Pilates Studios: These are especially terrific with all of the online programs that are available now to take you through guided practices.

Tricked out Backyard Spaces: The sky’s the limit here, pun intended. If you can dream it, you can build it, or “have the guy build it” which is my personal motto since I still can’t use the glue gun I’ve owned for 20+ years. Here are “the popular” outdoor enhancements: + Multi-level patios and decks + Pools & Spas + Firepits – built in, portable, or integrated coffee-table versions + Brand new landscaping and hardscaping with specialty gardens, from 3 season blooming gardens to handsome raised bed vegetable gardens + For larger properties: Tennis courts, miniature golf courses or putting greens By all means, check with a realtor or design professional before embarking on an enhancement if you’re worried about investment versus home value.

Costs for all of the above will vary by size, and the types of materials used – and the good- looking stuff always costs more. A good designer should be able to guide you here as well. And please check out our suggestions on “when to hire the guy” vs. DIY. Good luck…I’m cheering for you!

About Donna Hoffman: A multi-award-winning Bucks County based designer, Hoffman’s company, Interiors by Donna Hoffman, specializes in new construction, renovation, whole home and full room design, delivering livable luxury to discerning clients. Seen in Forbes, Real Simple, TV and radio, Donna is considered a design thought leader. Called the nation’s #1 design coach because she founded TheInteriorDesignAdvocate.com,

Donna

also

loves providing on-line courses that empower DIY’ers across the country.

34

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

Tricked out Backyard Spaces

Donna Hoffman

s h o u l d i “ d i y” o r h i r e a p r o?

All design comes with cost. You pay for it either with cold hard cash or with your own sweat equity. To determine when to DIY or when to Hire A Pro, take this 3 questions test. Answer “no” to any of these questions and you should likely hire a pro.

QUESTION ONE Do you have the skillset and resource required to do this project yourself so that IF you had to sell your home tomorrow, no buyer would look at your improvement and think, what were you smoking?

QUESTION T WO

QUESTION THREE

Do you have the time to complete this project or will it

Is your other half on board with a DIY? (If not, it will

become an unfinished eyesore?

be a source of potential stress/conflict)

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

35

MOVE ME N T + MIN D F UL N E S S

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Wel ln e ss for y our M IND + B O DY 36

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

NEWTOWNREALTY REPORT

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

5 Grace Cir

$1,799,983

$1,799,983

100%

1

4

5

9 Hillview Dr

$1,350,000

$1,400,000

104%

4

5

5

15 Spring Oak Dr

$1,325,000

$1,365,000

103%

5

4

4

6 Foxhall Rd

$1,350,000

$1,355,000

100%

5

4

6

2050 Silverwood Dr

$1,000,000

$1,000,000

100%

0

5

8

202 Palmer Aly

$909,900

$905,000

99%

5

4

5

143 Pheasant Ln

$865,000

$902,000

104%

4

5

4

405 E Centre Ave #23

$889,000

$877,500

99%

4

4

5

45 Providence Ct

$769,500

$769,500

100%

1

4

3

14 Rittenhouse Cir

$775,000

$745,000

96%

19

3

3

185 Hartford Ln

$670,000

$670,000

100%

5

4

3

61 Spring Garden Mill Dr

$639,500

$661,000

103%

4

5

3

106 Buckmanville Rd

$650,000

$640,000

98%

15

3

3

601 Parkview Way

$594,900

$632,500

106%

5

4

3

80 Jonquil Dr

$615,000

$630,000

102%

1

4

4

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37

CULINARY CREATIONS

+ dude food

WHETHER YOU’RE COOKING FOR ONE OR COOKING FOR MANY, THIS EASY DISH IS SURE TO IMPRESS ANYONE GATHERED AT YOUR KITCHEN TABLE ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

Photo by Eaters Collective, Unsplash

FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH WITH JALAPEÑO SLAW INGREDIENTS (SANDWICH) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Cayenne pepper, to taste Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Vegetable oil (as needed) Sesame seed bun Pickles

DIRECTIONS 1. Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper together in a shallow bowl.

2. Fill your skillet with oil to about 1-inch deep and heat to 350 degrees.

3. Coat your chicken breasts in the flour and seasoning mixture, then carefully place them into the heated oil.

4. Cook until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

5. Lightly toast your sesame seed bun, then top with pickles, fried chicken breast and slaw to taste.

FOR THE SLAW Combine mayo, hot sauce, garlic and dill pickle juice with shredded red cabbage, pickled onions and candied jalapeños.

38

Newtown Lifestyle | June 2021

+

IN A BREAKFAST MOOD? CREATE THIS SANDWICH WITH WAFFLES INSTEAD OF A BUN AND ADD SYRUP TO THE CHICKEN ONCE FRIED.