West Chester, PA March 2024

Home is Where the Heart Is!

Spring is right around the corner and that usually signals the start of home repair season and spring cleaning. Our March issue is dedicated to all things home-related. This month we are focusing on local woman-owned businesses that help take the stress out of home ownership. From interior design to outdoor pool services and home restoration, our featured businesses have your needs covered.

Our homes are often the most expensive purchases we make in our lives and we take pride in taking care of our investment. At West Chester Lifestyle, we understand all that comes with owning a home, including the frustrations! Check out our City List for local businesses that will be there to help with your property when you need them.

Speaking of home ownership, our local Habitat for Humanity is a great way to give back and help our neighbors achieve their dream of owning a home. Through volunteering on-site and donating goods or shopping at the local ReStores located in Coatesville and Phoenixville, our community members are an important part of the Habitat for Humanity family. Visit www.hfhcc.org to learn more about Chester County’s Habitat for Humanity and see how you can become involved in its mission to provide new and affordable housing.

We love to hear from our readers! If you have used any of our featured businesses for your home needs, let us know! Likewise, if you have any businesses you feel should be featured in upcoming publications, send us their information! Featuring all the wonderful businesses in the West Chester area is what we do best!

Douglas Mcdermott

douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com

Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com

DOUGLAS MCDERMOTT, PUBLISHER @WEST_CHESTER_LIFESTYLE

the CITY LIST

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

Heritage Design Interiors Inc. heritagedesigninteriors.com/ | 717.354.2233

Kathleen L Penney Interiors klpinteriors.com/ | 610.918.6131

Old Soul oldsouldecor.com/ | 484.999.8061

Decorating Den Interiors maryjolong.decoratingden.com/ | 610.873.4735

McGrath Interiors mcgrathinteriors.com/ | 610.692.7335

Landscaper

DiSabatino Landscaping disabatinoinc.com/ | 302.764.0408

Borsello Landscaping borsellolandscaping.com/ | 302.472.2600

Pierce L. Shallis Landscaping & Design plslandscapingdesign.com/ | 610.494.5139

Lowery Lawn & Landscape lowerylawnlandscape.com/ | 484.459.6259

Froio's Lawn & Landscape froioslawn.com/ | 610.692.3879

Real Estate Agent

Jack Sweeney, Realtor jacksweeney.exprealty.com/ | 484.631.5720

Douglas McDermott, Realtor douglas-mcdermott.com/ | 609.868.7713

Mark Reale, Realtor markreale.realehomes.com/ | 610.308.9500

Marcel Barbezat, Realtor marcelbarbezat.foxroach.com | 610.613.7456

Kit Anstey Real Estate Team ansteyteam.com/ | 610.430.3000

Home Remodeler

Murtagh Bros Inc murtaghconstruction.com/ | 610.359.1979

Chapman Windows Doors & Siding chapmanwindowsdoors.com | 610.431.8995

Giuseppe Kitchen and Bath giuseppekitchenandbath.com/ | 610.436.8161

Closet Factory closetfactory.com | 215.392.2994

Holland Floor Covering hollandfloor.com | 215.357.0909

Roofer

Impriano Roofing & Siding Inc. impriano.com/ | 610.640.4444

A.H. Davis & Son, Inc ahdavisandson.com/ | 484.268.1295

Greenawalt Roofing Company greenawaltroofing.com/ | 717.898.6000

Glick's Exterior's glicksexteriors.com/ | 215.839.9932

Clear Exteriors LLC clearexteriorsllc.com | 610.888.8633

Now is the perfect time to plan for your exceptional backyard living experience.

Give in to the lure of exceptional outdoor living. Indulge in a custom-designed, impeccably installed masterpiece, with unforgettable water features, magnificent lighting and one-of-a-kind tile. All this, and meticulous service and maintenance throughout the season. Magnificent restorations, too. Make it all yours. Call us for a complimentary consultation in your home.

Newtown Square, Pa. tedspools.net

610-359-1301

RESTORE MORE RESTORATION RESTORES YOUR PROPERTY WHEN AN EMERGENCY STRIKES!

Home Restoration Heroes

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE MORTIMER

The Restore More Restoration Team

Owner Danielle Mortimer

“When you

hire us, you become one of our extended family.

When emergencies happen in your home, you need a company you can trust to help you pick up the pieces. That company is woman-owned Restore More Restoration. Taking the area by storm (literally), Restore More Restoration treats every client like family. They understand the extreme stress of each situation, from fire to flood to personal tragedy, and they make a point to stay with their clients through every step of the process.

Owned by Danielle Mortimer, Restore More Restoration has grown quickly in Southeastern Pennsylvania. With 37 certifications and awards in restorative practices, including fire investigation, water restoration, and mold detection, the team is proud to be one of the area’s most educated and specialized emergency services companies. When you call them for assistance, you can be sure they will restore your property quickly and efficiently. In fact, they like to say they will make your it “better than before.”

What sets Restore More Restoration apart from other specialized cleaning companies is the empathy that comes from each employee. They truly put themselves in the shoes of their clients and know how difficult these situations can be.

“We see people at their worst,” says Mortimer. “When we arrive, often clients are at their breaking point. They have had enough. Our job is to help provide a quick and efficient remedy in a way that is sensitive to the situation.”

Each situation is different, as is each client, and Mortimer has a gift in pairing her 32 employees with the job that best fits the client’s needs in that particular scenario. Since the company handles a multitude of situations, which in addition to fire and flood, also includes hoarding, biohazard cleanup, and mold

remediation, as well as specialty cleanings such as ductwork, demolition, and reconstruction, it is important that their employees are well-versed in their specific role on the job. You can be guaranteed that the team member assigned to your project is knowledgeable not only about the task they are undertaking but also about your specific needs and goals.

“I have picked the best employees to work at Restore More Restoration," Mortimer said. “I chose only people who I would want in my house and are true professionals. Our employees have heart!”

This heart is found throughout all of their jobs from big cleanups to small tasks, but when asked if a particular job stood out in her mind, Mortimer described the time when an unexpected treasure was found during a fire cleanup.

“This family lost everything, including their family pet. It was a devastating fire, but we were there to help them sort through the ashes to see what could be salvaged. A wedding band set had been lost in the fire and we were carefully looking to find it, knowing how important it was for the homeowner. While looking through the ashes, we instead found her grandmother’s rosary. The homeowner was beyond moved that we were able to find this family heirloom that she thought was gone forever. It meant so much to them and we were so grateful to be a hero to them. This is the “why” behind our job,” said Mortimer.

Restore More Restoration is also very active in giving back to the community. They have given numerous volunteer hours to property builds and demolitions throughout the area and provide goods and services to those in need. If there is a need in the community, you know Mortimer and her team will be there lending a hand!

Our employees have heart! “ ”

The Restore More Restoration Team on the job!

Not every job that Restore More Restoration does has to be an emergency. They refer to themselves as the “Premier Cleaning Company,” which means they can also help you with commercial cleaning, duct cleaning, home demolition, home reconstruction, and more. They have their own dumpsters and pods to assist in big projects and will be with you every step of the process. You don’t have to wait for an emergency to call them for help!

When you’re in need of their services, Restore More Restoration is ready to help. They are available 24 hours a day and promise to have someone on your property within 2 hours of an emergency. All you have to do is call! For more information visit their website at www.restoremore365.com or call them at (484) 882-0971.

SPLISH SPLASH

Ted's Pools provides the perfect backyard oasis for your home.

Your backyard is an extension of your home that should provide peace and relaxation. In many cases, this backyard oasis will include a pool for your family to enjoy throughout the summer months. Lounging on a raft in sparkling blue water while sipping on a fruity drink is how you want to envision your summer months when you own a pool but to get that beautiful blue water, you need a pool company you can trust to help keep your pool maintained. Voted as the top pool company in our 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards, Ted’s Pools will keep your home’s backyard investment in top shape!

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE PERCHETTI

Ted’s Pools is consistently rated as a top pool company because they “Do things right the first time,” according to owners Carol and Joe Perchetti. Their business is built on client relationships. Whether it is a new pool build or a maintenance contract for a long-standing client, you can guarantee that Ted’s Pools is easy to reach and will answer all of your questions and concerns. You’re not just a client at Ted’s Pools, you’re part of their family!

With over 25 years of expertise, the team at Ted’s Pools is highly trained. During the off-season, their technicians can be found going to “pool school” with hands-on instruction from vendors and attending conferences to hone their skills. All of the employees have

their CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certificate and continually stay up-to-date with the latest pool-related technology. This specialized training truly sets the Ted’s Pool team apart from other competing pool companies in the area and they are proud of their dedication to the industry.

If you’re in the market for a new pool, you can trust Ted’s Pools consultation and planning services. They will find the pool that is perfect for your backyard landscape. They pride themselves on not mass-producing pools and generally accept only 30-35 clients for new pools each year. This allows them to be onsite overseeing the entire process. The team makes sure no corners are skipped and everything is perfect.

“We are more interested in the quality of our pools instead of the quantity we can produce,” said Joe. “We are interested in doing it right the first time.”

The process can be lengthy for new pool construction and if you are considering adding a pool for this summer, Carol and Joe suggest calling them immediately.

“It generally takes a minimum of eight weeks to construct an in-ground swimming pool once the permits are approved in your township,” said Carol. “Every custom in-ground pool that Ted’s Pools creates is unique, so we will provide you with an accurate time estimate after your design is accepted. Always keep in mind that circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions or final site inspection, could influence the time of completion.”

Maintenance is a very important part of pool ownership and Ted’s Pools offers services throughout the year. In addition to opening and closing services, the team also offers weekly, bi-weekly, and vacation maintenance packages which will help maintain the chemical balance of your pool throughout the summer. They also offer winter maintenance programs to keep your pool at its optimum balance when not in use.

If you’re ready to build a pool or need a new pool maintenance company, Ted’s Pools is the tried and true answer. Your pool will sparkle blue all summer with their expert technicians at the helm! For more information, visit their website at https://tedspools.net or call them at (610) 359-1301.

This is one of my constant “go to” DIY projects. It’s fast, it’s easy and it looks oh so professional. I love displaying photos, but I don’t necessarily love a lot of photo frames. These canvases create a crisp, clean look... All in about 30 minutes! Let’s get started.

DIY Photo To Canvas In A Snap

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STEP 1:

First things first, grab your supplies.

• Photo on photo paper

• 1 ½ inch thick wrapped canvas

• Mod Podge in Matte finish

• Black spray paint in Satin finish

• Clear spray paint in Satin finish

• 4 inch or 6 inch foam paint roller

• Small paint tray

Place your photo on the clean, dry canvas to make sure it fits correctly. Trim if necessary.

STEP 2:

Spray paint the canvas sides and a little of the top with the black spray paint. It is VERY important to let this dry completely.

STEP 3:

Using your foam roller, roll Mod Podge over the entire top of the canvas. Center your photo on top of the wet Mod Podge. Smooth the photo with your hands starting in the middle and pushing out toward the edges

STEP 4:

Roll a thin even layer of Mod Podge over your photo. This is a little scary “painting” over your photo, but I promise it will dry clear. Once it is covered with a thin layer start at one side and roll straight rows from side to side, in the same direction, as to avoid roller lines once it dries. If you see small bubbles in the wet Mod Podge, it is too thick. Thin it out by taking an almost dry roller over the photo to lift some of the Mod Podge. Repeat until the bubbles are gone. Let this dry completely.

STEP 5:

Spray the top and sides of the entire canvas and photo with satin spray paint. Dry…Hang….High Five. Congratulations on your new Photo Canvas!

This same technique can be used on 4x4 tiles of your choice to create custom coasters. You will add a bit of Peel and Stick Cork or felt to the back of the tile so the coaster doesn’t scratch. Cheers!

DO

ZONE BLUE

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.

If you haven’t subscribed to watching “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” streaming on Netflix, do yourself a favor and soak up the well-documented views into how Ikaria, Greece, Loma Linda, California, Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and Nicoya, Costa Rica exemplify the basis behind the Blue Zones truth and have since inspired Dan and his team to further extrapolate how we can manufacture healthy blue zone lifestyles in virtually any city and within our homes by way of intentional adaptation.

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. And, for many of us, it stems from our childhood to no-fault of our own; comfort foods and Friday night pizza deliveries, complacent recliners and cushy car commutes. In short, however, now more than ever 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.

In place of your toaster, keep a fruit bowl on the counter. Create a low-level junk food drawer. Stop buying processed meat, potato chips, sweetened snacks like cookies and candies, and worst of all, sugar-sweet beverages, and start buying more beans, nuts, grains, and tea.

“Am I going to tell you to never have these? No, people deserve to treat themselves. But you’ll do yourself an enormous favor if you just don’t bring those into your home. If you want to go out for those treats, go ahead,” Dan says.

“Simply just don’t bring them home, and you’ll cut out 70-80% of consumption right there.”

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.”

“We are marketed the idea that if we change our behavior by exercising more, taking the right supplements, trying this longevity or that anti-aging hack, that we will

Follow

lose weight and get healthy, yet it never works for the longterm,” says Dan. The Blue Zones approach is not trying to change your behaviors, it is asking you to change your surroundings…your eco-system.

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.”

And, we would be remiss not to attend to the travelers at heart who would love to indulge in a luxurious resort paired with the facets of an actual Blue Zones destination. Dan highly recommends seeking out Silvestre in Nosara, Costa Rica where the experience offers wellness programming, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor activities that will fuel your inspiration for a healthier life.

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!

designing WOMEN

THE EXPERTS AT HERITAGE DESIGN INTERIORS LOVE TO TURN A HOUSE INTO A HOME.

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HERITAGE DESIGN INTERIORS

The thought of decorating your home can be daunting to take on by yourself.

Between figuring out the right furniture for your space, the colors that complement each other, and the latest trends, you are mentally exhausted before you even start. Help isn’t far away! With over 30 years of design experience, the team at Heritage Design Interiors is ready to give you the beautiful home you have dreamed of without the stress.

Owner Anita Yoder and her design team have been helping homeowners and businesses create their ideal spaces for over three decades. They specialize in interior design, window treatments, and home decor. They offer custom-made valances, draperies, cornices, blinds,

shades, shutters, sheers, bedding, shower curtains, pillows and more. They also carry wallpaper, area rugs, and accent and upholstery furniture. In addition to these design offerings, Heritage Design Interiors has a retail store with artwork and mirrors, floral designs, silk greens, wreaths, lamps, pottery, candles, and seasonal decor. It truly is a one-stop shop for all your design needs.

When you begin to work with Anita and her team, you will have a design and decorating consultation to customize the services you need and want. Whether it’s a few hours to help coordinate paint colors, decorating tips and ideas, or help from the blueprint stage to the finishing touches, no project is too big or too small for Heritage Design Interiors.

“Since every decorating and design project is different, we listen to the

client’s needs and wants along with their ideas, their likes, and their dislikes,” said Anita. “When it comes to custom-made products, we take care of all of the details, from selections and measurements to the installation of window treatments and products.”

You can tell that Anita and her team truly enjoy what they do. They have won many awards from the Lancaster County Parade of Homes, including Best of Show and Best Decorated. They have also been honored with multiple Best Interior Design Awards by local newspapers and magazines as well as the Best Place to Purchase Window Treatments and Home Decor award for the area. Their favorite award, however, is their repeat customers and referrals. The satisfaction from their clients makes it worthwhile for the Heritage Design Interiors team.

“I enjoy designing and decorating a house that coordinates with my client’s needs and wants,” said Anita “I love helping make their house their home.”

According to Anita, one of the main reasons to have an interior designer is to save the homeowner/business owner time and avoid costly mistakes.

“Since we work in the industry, we can guide and advise our clients to quality and value for their needs and wants. This will avoid making poor selections that will need to be replaced or repainted,” said Anita.

Now that spring is around the corner, it is the perfect time to reach out to Heritage Design Interiors to spruce up your home or office. Find out more information at their website at www.heritagedesigninteriors.com or call them at (717) 354-2233.

Campli Photography