Gift Where

Needless to say shopping season is in high heat. Tired of department store sameness? This is where the burgs and villes we all drive through to get from route this to route that absolutely shine. The small stores. Call them "mom and pops"..."boutiques"..."shop(pes)", the off-the-beaten track gems of customer service and uncommon goods. Like The Back Porch. You really have to search for it as it is, literally, at the back of a group of stores (including my favorite pizzeria, Joe's) located in Martinsville on Washington Valley Road. During a recent stop-by I saw things like handblown glass pendants...best-selling Kobo candles in a variety of delightfully subtle scents..."Walligraphy" (clever wall art of words and phrases)...and a lot more beautifully displayed in this cozy setting, holiday and hostess gifts so distinctive you'll wish you were on the receiving end! Look for their signpost out on the street. The Back Porch fronts the block's very commodious parking lot.

It's here!

My favorite day of the year! Tonight I drove around the 'hood around 8pm. Already a line that went beyond the corner of Best Buy. Straight across Circuit City. Six people camped out in front of Staples. Staples! Yes folks, Black Friday 2007 Has Begun! And now to bed go I, in order to wake up at an ungodly hour and join my fellow shopaholics who love a bargain especially when it's one for which they've waited nine hours in pitch darkness. Happy shopping and see you on one line or the other!

Dutch Treat

One of my favorite shopping destinations is the Pennsylvania Dutch Country Farmers Market in Flemington. When I announce to the family that I am going there they know that we will be eating very very well on my return. There's a variety of dedicated permanent stalls within the space including cheeses, candies and nuts, seafood, baked goods, produce, arts & crafts, handcrafted furniture, a butcher (we love their broasted chicken with sides of whipped sweet potato, creamed spinach and scalloped apple dessert) and a snacks concession where you buy freshly-made pretzels that put the commercial ones to shame (and in spring-summer they sell delicious spearminty meadow tea). Normally open just Thursday thru Saturday, there are special Thanksgiving week hours: Tuesday 10-5, Wednesday 9-6, Friday 9-7 and Saturday 8-3. The Market is located at 19 Commerce Street just behind the Shop-Rite on Route 202.And did I mention those pretzels?!

Meow

Just got word that the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter has a lot of cats and kittens waiting for homes. If you're looking for a new best friend, be it feline or canine (they also have a variety of extremely nice dogs, from purebreeds to Heinz varieties!), stop in at the Shelter, located at 100 Commons Way in Bridgewater (just up the road from Bridgewater Commons Mall). Open Tuesday thru Saturday (closed Sundays and Mondays); phone is 908-725-0308 and at SRAS.mail@verizon.net

Brrrrrrrr

For prices that are really cool...the new Five Below store just opened up at the Somerville Circle shopping center on 202 in Raritan (same block of stores as Petco, Staples and Panera). Reminds me of the old 69 Cent Shop (boy am I dating myself!) where nothing was priced higher than 69 cents. In this case, every item is priced Five Below (get it?!) I couldn't resist a pair of black ballet flats for that amount (also came in pink and olive). Quel bargain!

Knit Wit

Few sounds are so instantly soothing as the click-click of knitting needles. Frankly, the only problem I ever found was that many knitting stores have an air of, shall we say not the friendliest atmosphere and leave it at that? Well, found the exception and wouldn't you know it is on the street I raved about some time back?! 41 South Finley Avenue in Basking Ridge is home to Down Cellar. You won't find attitude here but you will find a slew of distinctive yarns, notions and accessories cozily displayed among cupboards and vintage treasures. The perfect rainy day store! Classes and workshops in all fiber arts (what better time than winter for learning a craft like knitting, crocheting, rug hooking and the like?) Friendly approachable staff, great step by step support for novices and longtime knitters alike. Time to finish that sweater you started 12 years ago!

Given the Royal Treatment

(subtitled "This is why I shop at Kings")

I am a healthy-eating-conscious/label reading/scratch cook/as close to the source food consumer as you can get (no this doesn't conflict with the other side of me, the side that is starting to lose the battle of craving a banana-flavored Twinkie! Balance is my byword). Given that background, I have been buying a wonderful no salt/no filler turkey at my local Kings Supermarket (the Bedminster location). They were out of it the past 2 days. I called yesterday to inquire if they'd gotten in their shipment and got Joe, deli manager. He checked, they were still out, put me on hold for a few moments, got back to me and said, "I just called around. Mendham has the turkey. I will send a refrigerated van to pick up some. Come here after 4 and your turkey will be waiting." Sure enough, I did and it was. Customer service still exists. I repeat: This is why I shop at Kings.

May I have some more please

Reader Andy Potter points out...

More than Meals is one of ~1500 of these 'meal assembly kitchens' across the country. If you are outside of NJ, you can search for similar kitchens in your area at www.mealassembly.net.

The Meal Thing

Finally someone's come up with a solution for the most time-consuming least fun part of cooking, namely, the planning, shopping and prepping. And you still end up with a home-cooked meal! It's More than Meals,a new concept in meal preparation that's put the joy back in cooking.
Here's how it works: you choose entrees from a rotating monthly menu (October selections include Double Sauce Chicken Stuffed Shells, Fabulous Feta Fish, Beef with Gorgonzola, Orange Pecan French Toast). Each entree serves 4 to 6 people. Schedule a time that works for you; meal prep gatherings are held weeknights and weekends. Once you arrive at More than Meals you work your way through the entree stations--like a buffet line!--while following the recipes. All ingredients are prepped and ready for you to assemble, pack up, take home and serve.
Group sessions can be booked--it's a pretty neat different activity for ladies--or gents--night out, birthday parties and other get-togethers. Call for more information (732-271-1686). This is a concept whose Time Has Come! At 1966 Washington Valley Road in Martinsville.

Spahhhh continued

Again my thanks to reader Wildsnowflake who wrote,

Don't forget that SpaWeek is happening soon... Oct 15-21. You can get great facials and other treatments for $50 at various top-notch NJ spas (tip on what the treatment SHOULD have been).

http://spaweek.org/spa_listing.php?city_id=2

That's how I found Stress Solutions in Watchung a few years ago (not participating this year) but here's the link to a coupon http://www.stresssolutionsspa.com/coupon/

Spahhhh!

Well I can't get away to Canyon Ranch but I can get in my car and drive a couple of miles to a spa that's newly opening in Bernardsville. All the promise of a happy healthier and more relaxed me at Spa Rejuv: Grow Younger with Us. Nosy person that I am, I happened to stick my head inside after visiting the farmers market across the street at the train station this past Saturday (quick aside here: the weekends are rapidly vanishing so if you want to visit a farmers market now is the time--at Bernardsville I always make pitstops at Baker's Bounty, Picklelicious, Suemac Farms Herbary and my favorite--Valley Shepherd Creamery, those cheeses--mwah!). I was very sweetly greeted by master aesthetician and proprietess Bozena Polinska who gave me a tour of the facility. Beautiful immaculate and tranquil are the words that come to mind, from the welcome at the door to the treatments rooms to the change facilities. Services include a smorgasbord of facials, face and body treatments, massage therapy, hair removal, nails, make-up and more. In addition, a plastic surgery office has just been established on prem. What I also like is the brochure details very clearly what to expect if you first visit a spa (clothing on under robe? clothing off? what to bring, what to leave home, gratuities policy, etc). Anyway, this Thursday night are grand opening festivities; a more casual celebration takes place this Saturday. Spa Rejuv is at 59 Mine Brook Road, tel 908-630-0007.

Friday on my mind

I can now count it in weeks, yes weeks! (eight, to be exact.Plus a day.) til Black Friday 2007. Oh bliss! Oh joy! Oh set the alarm for 2am! Nothing short of labor would keep me away--days after eye surgery this past year I was happily #3 on line in sub-freezing weather at Electronics Expo with a group of newly-discovered warm close and personal friends, all of us united in a desire to score a fantastic doorbuster bar-goon(Oh, did I mention this encounter took place by 2:45am?!)
We take the day very seriously in my household. It starts weeks before: emails from sites like Black Friday Ads, builds up to the Wednesday-before circulars and, finally, Thanksgiving night strategizing of who goes where and what we are buying. Typically Herb goes to Best Buy, Circuit City and Staples, while I head for Borders, Target and anywhere else I can sleepwalk into before 12 Noon.
Oh the adventure of it all! The countdown Has Begun!

A Rose by any other name

And this one is sweet indeed. If you're invited to someone's home during the High Holidays (good new year's wishes by the way)--or for any other special occasion--of course you are bringing some kind of hostess gift (this is probably the one bit of "visiting etiquette" my daughters will say I drilled into them from early childhood!) Right next door to Gabriel's Fountain in Martinsville is The Purple Rose. Wonderful source for lovely gift items that you just don't see everywhere. Lynda also specializes in Judaica (she carries names like Rosenthal and Tamara Baskin) and the myriad of Vera Bradley fans cut a path to her door! Right now is especially fine time to shop here--a 25% sale is going on (and I hope my Amy and Jim are not reading this--I got your housewarming present here, a stunning contemporary etched art glass vase by Stephen Schlanser). The Purple Rose is at 1946 Washington Valley Road; 732-868-9000.

Hair There and Everywhere

Had to clue you in to a really cute ponytail holder. It consists of a flat circular floral painted disc suspended on color-coordinated elastic band. Made by trendy West Coast accessories company Zad I just found it at my hair salon, The Vanity Room, in Bernardsville.

I just got an invitation in the mail

(for the Fred Astaire fans you'll of course recognize the opening lines to "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails"!)


"Downtown Somerville business owners would like to invite you and your fellow shoppers to Somerville Sampler Day on Saturday, September 15th from 10 am - 5 pm.

The day will feature outdoor sales, special deals, giveaways and free restaurant tastings.

More information is at www.findsomerville.com

Downtown Somerville is home to many one-of-a-kind, independently owned specialty gift, antique, home decor and clothing stores."

Basking in the sun

This sunny morning driving from Bernardsville to Martinsville I shortcutted (not really but I like the scenery!) thru Basking Ridge's lovely shopping street, South Finley Avenue. What an inviting couple of blocks! An avenue shaded by beautiful old leafy trees, old-fashioned store signs outside an interesting assortment of shops that are housed in authentically quaint buildings. A downtown setting to soothe the nostalgic and entice the trendy. Other places try to create this sense of shopping comfort; this is the real thing! I'll be back!

I'll drink to that!

Did you know that there are exactly two drive-thru beverage stores in the state...and we've got one of them?! I have driven past Elliott Beverages The Beverage SuperMarket numerous times and never made the time for it. Until a week ago when my curiousity was greater than my usual desire to get from point A to point B with no stops in-between. Wow--brought on immediate and intense fantasies of drive-thru shoe stores, drive-thru bagel shops, drive-thru bookstores...you get the picture. And, yes, you actually drive through the store and shop without stepping foot (hopefully the one that is on the brake pedal) outside your vehicle. Over 850 varieties of sodas, seltzers, teas, water and over 250 brands of domestic and imported beers and micro-brews as well as a complete line of wine and liquor. Don't see what you're looking for? Ask Jim DiLorenzo and his staff and they will assist. Elliott Beverages is at 573 Union Avenue in Bridgewater.

Bedtime Story

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to enter a Bed Bath & Beyond and not leave the store with at least one purchase? The ubiquitous coupon that enters my home via the Sunday 'papers or through the mail always gets used especially since there is no expiration date (oh I know the coupons state "good thru xx/xx/xxxx" but, to my delight, when I once bemoaned clutching in my hand an expired one the cashier told me that it would still be honored!) I went to my local store (at the Bridgewater Promenade) today for purpose of finding clips to keep our duvet in place within its cover. Found those as well as three new pillows, pillowcases, a tissue receptable and one of those gigundo lollipops that are by the register (an area which always holds my attention as they have the most interesting "as seen on TV" gadgetry right there). And something new seems to be brewing; several areas are mysteriously curtained off with signs proclaiming the promise of new merchandise coming soon. I still have one coupon left...

We have a winner!

Thank you Diane!
She wrote, "Ooooh, Tim Hortons is a great donut chain in Canada and Upstate NY. He was an ice hockey player. Sorry, I am not sure where to get that maple donut!"

I just emailed Diane to alert her that she will receive a gift certificate from my local Dunkin' D (maybe not for maple-tops but there's all those other donuts, bagels, croissants and that incredible coffee) And I am still on a quest to find maple-topped donuts! Soooo...if you do know of a place around here that sells them, please let me know!

And the answer is

Back late last night from annual sojourn to a beautiful region of Canada called Muskoka. Ate well, shopped well (the main thoroughfare in Barrie ON is a ringer for Route 22), relaxed well. What else are vacations for (thank you, Connie Francis, Belleville's own favorite daughter!)
Anyway, I am starting up my own mini-contest and here it is:
a) What is Tim Horton's
b) who was Tim Horton
c) where in Central Jersey can I find maple-topped items similar to the ones produced by the answer to a)

First person who answers will receive from me a dozen of your answer to question c)

Good luck!

Prelude to a Kiosk

You know how you go walking along in the mall, minding your own business, and someone suddenly appears from alongside one of those kiosks,as politely as urgently trying to get your attention. "Miss, miss, can you give me a moment of your time...please?" And you either smile and shake your head rapidly no or you do same but add "no thank you." For you know if you stop, you're a goner. Well, I had that experience and, much to my surprise, it was worth the interruption. The encounter took place in my home away from home--the Bridgewater Commons--I'd just gotten my Verizon cellphone fixed, walked out the door and was set upon by a very pleasantly persistant salesman. Maybe I was in an exceptionally good and patient mood or maybe just tired...I gave in and listened to the sales pitch, sampled the wares and actually purchased two items. Y'know what? The stuff is Really Good! The kiosk is Nature's Best Mineral Spa Products, 100% all natural Dead Sea mineral-infused, imported from Israel.I tried their exfoliating/cleansing Aromatic Mineral Body Treatment as well as their moisturizing and refreshing Facial Peel. When I have depleted the jars (and that time is quickly approaching) I will be sure to buy more.

Routine matters

Inquiring minds want to know...I've written variations of what my weekend shopping/browsing routine is like, what about yours?

A welcome coda

Remember my query a few weeks ago about where to find recordings? Once again I must thank wildsnowflake who posted this reply: "You need to visit Vintage Vinyl in Fords (by Rt. 1). Don't let the name fool ya... they actually have current releases (CDs, DVDs, AND RECORDS!)too. It's been named one of the best indie record stores in the nation by various magazines including Rolling Stone. Lots of in-store events." Duly noted and on my list of where-to-go this weekend!

Schmear campaign

Re: my post of a few weeks ago regarding my search for a good bagel shop. I tried a couple of places that met my geographic requirement (not more than 7 miles from home) but am I asking too much for a hello, a smile, a pleasantry? I could be their new best customer in disguise; a simple greeting says a lot. So the quest continues; please let me know where you find all of the above plus a good authentic bagel (and bonus if you can also tell me where I can find bialys...)

A Good Sport

No I'm not turning into a jock. In fact for the several years I have lived uphill from Efinger Sporting Goods my curiousity was limited to watching them build the new facility and then, almost overnight, raze the outgrown one (I still remember the Carvel store on its corner!) Finally I had a reason to go in (to get a pedometer for Herb and his new treadmill) and I anticipate going back again. What a neat place! Reminds me of outdoorsy stores in the Adirondacks where you find locally-made fishing lures alongside worldwide brands like Nike (and it has the same kind of longevity--Efinger is New Jersey's largest independent sporting goods retailer and has been in business two years short of a century). Walk in and you come face-to-face with a 1000 gallon shark tank (who knew sharks could be so little and cute-looking!) It's a 50,000 square foot facility with separate departments for each classification of sporting activity, but as big as it is you still get a sense of its mom 'n pop origins, thanks to very helpful and friendly (but not inyourface) personnel. Even better, the staff I ran into personally knew the sport they were servicing: eg. fishermen in the fishing department, golfers in the golf department (which is headed by an LPGA pro), cyclists in the cycling department (I am told they have the most extensive BMX collection in Central Jersey and there are experienced mechanics on duty). And the lines they carry, from the familiar to the hard-to-get, including Orvis, Nike, Patagonia, North Face, Raleigh, Saucony, Calloway, Taylor Made, Coleman,Sorel. And my favorite thing about a store--a large parking lot.
Efinger Sporting Goods is located on West Union Avenue in Bound Brook, just 3 blocks away from 287.

Tee Party

Every summer I go away to a destination that coincidentally is a golf resort. Consumed with guilt that I am not a golfer I always take one beginner lesson every year, promise the instructor and myself that I will keep it up when I get back home...and never do. Well this was the year I swore I really would do it. And did. Did you know that Somerset County's first--and only--virtual golf club and pro shop is a convenient drive away at 250 Route 202/206N in Somerville? At Raritan Ridge Indoor Golf Club there are five greens simulators so waiting time to practice your swing is just about nil (and each simulator spot is very private--for most people I guess to aid in their focus and concentration; for me, very relieved that no one could see my lame attempts to be Michelle Wie.) An on-site pro shop with all the latest products from Ping, Nike, Callaway, Titleist and others, sports programming on strategically-placed widescreen TVs and you can even check your email (Wi-fi hotspot). There are summer special prices (half hour $15, a monthly pass $59.99), golf lessons and of course when all the outdoor courses are under snow, indoor is the way to go--fore!

Listen to the Music

Where do you buy your music? Are there still, oh what's that quaint phrase?, "record stores" around? Please write in and tell me where to go.
Admittedly I am like everybody else--I download music onto my iPod (my taste runs the gamut from ABBA to Zappa and everything in between), make purchases on Amazon.com and do the occasional in-person (Best) Buy. Ever since Sam Goody's closed at the mall (and don't even get me started on the departure of my most favorite browsing emporium, Tower Records), I have missed the singular pleasure of flipping through those racks of CDs alphabetically arranged by genre, composer, top sellers, et al.
And now a plug for some alternative music. No, I don't mean hip-hop or metal. Opera. It's been borrowed by pop culture for years, everything from Della Reese's recording of Don't You Know (Musetta's Waltz from La Boheme) to the Spatini Spaghetti Sauce commercial (La Donna E Mobile from Rigoletto) to Spike Jones spoofs and countless cartoons ...all of which leads to a quick aside: in my non-writing professional activity I had opportunity to work with Beverly Sills and she really was everything you've read: charming, gracious, bubbly, down to earth. Opera. Try it. You may like it.

Sally Fourth!

Happy Fourth of July!
This is being written from Revolutionary War Central: not far away is a field where, as the historic marker indicates, from May 28 - July 2, 1777 the troops of George Washington's Continental Army camped out due to its strategic location high about the Raritan Valley (makes sense when you realize our main street bears the name Washington Valley Road!)
Since this did not turn out to be a beach day, it appeared likely that most of us engaged in a uniquely American holiday pasttime--shopping. A quick surveillance trip to the Bridgewater Commons mall (strictly for research purposes, I muttered to myself) confirmed that theory.
Fourth of July in the middle of the week? No long weekend? Bummer! But at least the weekend is only 2 days away.

Farm Report

When I lived on Long Island and made my ritual Sunday morning stop at the local bagel store, up on the counter was the glorious sight of picture-perfect giant ripe tomatoes which always bore the label "New Jersey," assuring the crowning touch for a lox and cream cheese bagel. Now you may hear people coo over California produce ("ohmygd...the strawberries were as big as golfballs!") but nothing gets the salivary glands working overttime like the phrase "Jersey Fresh" and it doesn't get much fresher than here in central NJ (think about it: almost guarantee that wherever you reside a working farm is within 5 to 10 miles). "My" farm is English Farm, located in Liberty Corner. Amazingly it is now in its eighth generation of family ownership. A working farm, the site includes a seasonal farm market (July thru October selling eggs, vegetables, flowers and Harrison Brook Farm herbs; eggs sold November thru May) and barnyard animals (a memorably funny visit last summer was when one of the pigs kicked up dirt from behind his fencing and onto Herb's new slacks--well, I thought it was funny!) including bantam chickens and a warren of rabbits (today I saw Ralph, Monique and Lindsay) right by the parking section. My purchases included Rainier cherries, garlic, dark plums, a few apples (I like to cut up in cereal) and genuinely sweet corn.
Looking ahead into the fall there are hayrides, pumpkin picking and annual History Day celebrations. By the way, English Farm is situated where colony-sympathizing French troops, under the leadership of General Rochambeau, camped out prior to the Battle of Yorkville 225 years ago.

Barnstorming

This is being written to balance out Saturday's rant if you will. Happy to read this morning (in the Courier of course!) that Pottery Barn will soon be joining the store line-up at Bridgewater Commons. I Love That Store! Bedroom #2 is a virtual shrine to their style (the pattern: Matine Toile in powder blue), which combines the best of traditional and country...or is it contemporary and that quirky sensibility called shabby chic? Anyway, something very soothing (at least to me!) about their products and how their collections go together and complement other furnishings as well. Between the "closed for remodeling" placard (rarely a good sign) posted at their upper west side/Manhattan location and the traffic jams caused by work on 78 by the Route 24 exit (my quickest way to the Short Hills Mall store), things were decidedly grim and I thought the only way to give in to my 'fix' would be by means of their catalog. And now...I cannot wait!

A Hole in My Universe

Beautiful weather today--not a day for being indoors , at home or in store! This is when I start weekend day trips to the farm stands and farmers markets within easy driving distance (this morning forgot to get out to the farmers market at the Bernardsville train station--does anyone know if it has Sunday hours?) But I am losing track of what I wanted to write about, a mini rant if you will.

Martinsville is a very charming spot in which to live but...There Is No Bagel Store! Oh there are very good ones if I drive 7 miles east of me and 7 miles west of me, but on Sunday morning all I want to do is go as short a distance as possible to get my fix of a pumpernickel bagel with a shmear of lox spread (and Herb his cinnamon raisin with same--a combo that makes me slightly gag but chacun a son gout...!) And while I am in the mood to 'gently' rant...a neighborhood bookstore would be a wonderful addition to the landscape as well!

Enjoy the weekend!

Dry My Car

When our friend Joe chided me for not taking my three week old car to a car wash a few years ago, that's when I discovered the Bridgewater Car Wash on Route 28. Owned and operated by the McFarland Brothers since 1976 (a good year for car washes: one of disco's trademark hits of that time bore the very same name), it is a multipurpose 7 day a week spot where you can clean-up and gas-up your car and eat-up too(a few years ago the brothers opened the adjacent Patriots Mini Mart deli and coffee shop).
There is a laundry list of a la carte services from which to choose as well as packages that range from the Full Service Deluxe to the Classic to The Works. Newest options include VIP washes. Now I am a Classic girl--hot wax, sealer wax, undercarriage, Armorall tire power-wash, $15.45--but decided to splurge for ten dollars more on a VIP treatment (the one that encompasses a mini interior detail) that left my car interior genuinely looking and smelling (no artificial "new car scent" here!) like an out of the showroom vehicle--I fell in love with my jalopy all over again. Well worth the extra shekels and I was assured the finish would last for a good two months or so (had it done a month ago and still lookin' good). By the way, the guys are staunch Giants fans (even the tips container is shaped like a mutant football!)

There's A Small Hotel

Never mind George Washington--Clark Gable slept here! "Here" is The Dunellen Hotel, a circa 1869 onetime inn now well-regarded restaurant and rathskeller owned and renovated by the same trio who brought new life to "my" Stewart's (and thank you once again, wildsnowflake, for pointing this out). The menu is quality American fare served in a light pub atmosphere. From comfort dishes like their famous meatloaf platter and chicken parm to upscale selections such as triple onion soup and sesame tuna steak. Half-pound Black Angus burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps and more. And--shades of Nancy Drew!--a hidden staircase that descends to the rathskeller, no doubt handy during Prohibition days. Wildsnowflake also notes that the homemade potato chips "are delish!"

Tiptoe through the (Blue) Tulip

A few weeks ago my friend Jane introduced me to Westfield...and I am hooked! One hard-to-resist shop after another in a downtown that has served as a model to other communities for quite some time (trust me on this one--I used to live in a Westfield-aspirant!) So many stores, so little space...let's start with one that made a very big impression on me.
'Tis the season for hostess gifting among other occasions (dads, grads, weds and the like) and there are many stores that cater to this market, however, if you think you've seen one gift boutique you've seen them all, you'd possibly be right...that is, until you walk into the Blue Tulip. A display that was notable in its variety, uniqueness and clever presentation of objet --I was oohing and aahing all over the place as I quickly scribbled some notes (which I hope I can now transcribe!) about what I saw: teacher gifts, like a beribboned apple motif tower of three graduated-sized notebooks with matching pen (also available in sunflower pattern)...Father's Day pilsner glass having TV remote motif...hostess gifts including edible chocolate (ha! ' knew I'd sneak that one in!) flowerpots planted with truffles, and a daisy ceramic bowl with spreader...new spins on the most prosaic summer ware like bright jelly flip-flops and--no washed-out pastels!--vividly colored terrycloth beach/pool totes. What did I end up with? A pair of The most incredibly soft pale pink slipper sox.
Next time you need a gift and want to make a really memorable impression, it's 123 Quimby Street in Westfield. Many occasions, one store. Westfield. To Be Continued...

It's a frame-up!

As I type from my home office I look around--on the wall in front of me is a radio station poster, the promotional art for a friend's book, a nice citation that I once received. To my left a blown-up photo of my girls circa 3 years old. To my right, a collage of teeshirt logos. What they all have in common is the artful framing done by Lynne and Rick Bigge of Village Art Custom Framing in Martinsville (732-356-2225). Lynne has an art school background so she has that famous eye for determining what shows off artwork best, while Rick has the precision ability of the architect that he is. When I meet with them I wish I had either more wall space or more art suitable for framing. They have access to literally hundreds of frames,a rainbow of matte choices and treat your item as if it was their own, be it a child's drawing or a signed edition. And not just pictures are framed; the Bigges have done everything from memorabilia and teeshirts to a famous racehorse's halter and a collection of signed baseballs.

Hot dog!

It's baaack...

All winter long I couldn't bear to drive on Route 22 East in Lebanon. I relied on a friend who lives there to tell me if he saw any sign of life replacing the "for sale" sign posted outside Stewarts Drive-In. Since we moved to Jersey (an aside: is it okay to use the term "Jersey" and not spell full out New Jersey? I have been chastised for using either term so would appreciate a definitive answer), this has been Herb and my standing date every Sunday, rain or shine, summer or winter. It was a looooong winter without. And just about a month ago the news got good, really good. My friend left me a voicemail that simply said, "there are trucks parked in Stewarts lot". And it went from there. I called their number which was still listed, left my name and phone and hoped for a response. Which I got a few days later from John Schneider, who told me he and his two partners (Rich Hendricks and Jim Daley) had bought the location and would be opening within days. My countdown began. Interrupted last weekend by an unexpected trip to Canada, our waiting ended yesterday. Good luck is wished to the new owners, once again all is well in my gustatory world (and where else can you see family minivans and sports sedans parked side by side with sleek Harleys?!)

Soup's on

Winter...summer...fall...spring the meal that never fails to satisfy (apart from anything chocolate-related) is a bowl of soup with a piece of bread on the side and a bit of fruit. Most of the requisite food groups thus spoken for and hunger appeased as well.
Soup's a featured item on just about every menu but why settle for a "soup of the day" when you can choose from half a dozen different varieties at a specialty soup shop? The Soup Shoppe at RiverWalk Village Center just off 78 in Basking Ridge.Every day Brian and crew spotlight several deliciously filling vegetarian and meat selections. A recent day's offerings included 3 bean, chicken corn chowder, Black Angus beef chili, white turkey chili, chicken noodle and my favorite--carrot ginger bisque. Served with a freshly-baked roll and a whole fruit.
But The Soup Shoppe is more than soup: build-your-own-salads, signature sandwiches and wrapps (sliced avocado in the California Tuna wrapp adds just the right distinctive ingredient) and a thriving catering business (plus they have Herb's favorite cookies, Tate's Chocolate Chips, imported all the way from Southampton!)

Shear Genius

I take my hair styling seriously. Very seriously. When we first moved here I conducted my search for a new salon with all the deadpan earnestness of a Joe Friday. Made a list of all the salons within neighboring villages, called upon the places that appealed most, peppered them with a list of questions--what products do you use?...how is the parking?...what kind of snacks to nosh on? (bonus points for a cappucino maker). And then chose the salon on the basis of none of the above but because its building reminded me of our house on Long Island.
A good hairdresser is part daVinci, part Dr. Phil, works wonders with two hands and hair blower and keeps up a running conversation at the same time. My hairdresser of choice (Deni) is at The Vanity Room in Bernardsville. Lowkey albeit lively atmosphere, a product line (Bumble&Bumble) that delivers what the label promises and I can even get a cappucino (plus its proximity to Monterrey Gourmet is pretty neat as well).

The Wheel Thing

Our pleasant Sunday afternoon came to an abrupt end: as I was blithely loading my trunk with purchases from Bed Bath & Beyond and Old Navy in the parking lot of The Promenade in Bridgewater, my reverie was interrupted by a helpful voice. "Uh, miss, I think your right rear tire is low."
"Low" was charitable: driving not quite on the rim a more accurate description. Managed to get car home for a temporary infusion of air and made my way to Flemington Audi first thing Monday morning. Prognosis: two nails (I never do things one at a time--eg. twin children and go from there). Treatment: tire replacement which took all of maybe half an hour.
The reason for me to travel to my Audi dealer generally alternates between two must scenarios: it is either a routine visit (as in when the dashboard computer sternly informs me that I am due for a tune-up NOW!)or at times of greater urgency (such as this). However it is always something of a treat to go there, especially since they built a new building on Route 202 South, a structure that externally resembles a cross between a hangar and an atrium. Inside it has a spa-like feeling, from the self-serve Quattro Cafe to the lounge with wi-fi access and TV where you control the remote. And there's a children's play area just adjacent.
The service is always prompt, workmanship clean (another perk is the free car wash that accompanies tune-ups)and personnel genuinely strive to assure cars that run right all the time and therefore satisfied customers. And they get them. By the way, this dealership is part of Flemington Car & Truck Country. Where have you bought your car and why? Curious minds want to know!

General Custard

Thank you, Wildsnowflake, for expanding my icy dessert horizons and pointing out several more convenient Rita locations (Rt. 28 in Middlesex, also Scotch Plains and South Plainfield.) A rave review as well for the custard served at Dairy Quick in Dunellen, where two additional flavors are offered between Memorial and Labor Days--banana and strawberry soft serve (you had me at banana: reminds me of McDonalds limited time only banana milkshake--ahh bliss in a tall paper cup and spoon-straw!) And Wildsnowflake adds, "There's also the shore's Kohr's Custard, a visit to the boardwalk is nothing without an orange/vanilla swirl. " If you're not able to go down the shore, Kohr's has an outpost at the Bridgewater Commons. And before you can say "gelati"...that's a whole other topic; call it, "to be continued..."

Cold Comfort

Lovely Rita...no, not the Beatles song (Sgt. Pepper, Side Two, Cut Three), Rita's Ices! For me a harbinger of spring is the reopening of Rita's shops (Bridgewater, Flemington and Somerville locations come quickest to mind. What are some other Central Jersey locations?) Rita's Misto, a magical blend of custard and ice, provides the perfection solution when you're forced to choose between ices and ice cream. And how could you not like a shop that gives out free ices on the first day of Spring?!
When it's more substance that I crave (and my freezer is bereft of its usual Chunky Monkey container) I am lucky enough to be within walking distance of the most heavenly homemade ice cream this side of 78: Gabriel's Fountain in Martinsville has combinations like Banana Oreo, Rum Raisin, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, and for the purists at heart, vanilla, chocolate and strawberry au natural (and their ice cream stand is open once again on Sundays).

Pet Topic

I am admittedly (and not without a little pride) a total pushover when it comes to animals (a case of genetics at work: my cousins and I "blame" my aunt who brought home strays regularly and when my uncle noticed,would innocently reply, "what cat?") I channel this impulse into donations to various animal causes and rescues, of which there are many in our region, from St Hubert's to NJ Save A Pet, the Randolph Animal Pound (staffed by the delightful and compassionate Norma Jacobs) and Somerset Regional Shelter to MetroFerret and Kim's Ark Rodent Rescue. For every kind of animal there is a dedicated group. Now before I really start sounding like Bob Barker (I wonder if his replacement will keep up Barker's trademark close of "help control the pet population, have your pet spayed or neutered"?)... I am the holder of both Top Dog and Pet Perks tags (PetCo in Raritan and PetSmart in Bridgewater respectively), which means I make regular use of the Route 28 and 202 corridor.
Chain pet stores are often maligned; as in any place of business it all comes down to the personnel. I can only say that my experience at either location has been positive: the staffs are knowledgeable, the animals well cared-for and both places encourage adoption, holding frequent adoption events.
There are smaller pet shops around--which do you recommend? Who should be commended for the condition of their store and, more so, the animals in their charge? Let me know please.

Circular Logic

The Sunday ritual in my house: listen to Jonathan Schwartz as we carefully disengage circulars from the 'papers. Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens 'n Things and Tar-jay for me, Circuit City, Staples and Electronics Expo for he. And the one we both grab at: Best Buy.
The ritual continues: when the papers have been read and circular contents scrutinized, time for a quick bite at Stewart's (any Stewarts, tho' our favorite was the late lamented location on 22 in Lebanon--wait! A hopeful sign is the one proclaiming a reopening sometime soon) and our local Best Buy in Bridgewater.
My house is a shrine to that store--from our washer/dryer to all the kitchen appliances to electronic gadgetry (Herb finally got tired of me pressing the button on the Yamaha Digital Sound Projector demo every week so we got one--a single speaker that simulates full surround sound audio and it is incredible!) The staff is genuinely helpful (they don't work on commission by the way) and the cherry on top is that wonderful Reward Zone program where for every dollar you spend you accumulate Best Buy's version of Monopoly money (and who can resist a store that proudly proclaims its geekiness--Lewis from Revenge of the Nerds would approve)

Cocoa Channel

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. No, this isn't a letter expressing devotion for my husband. It's my declaration of steadfast love (and, truth be known, lust) for...chocolate (I'm sorry, gentlemen, this one is very much a "girl" thing; I do rhapsodize just as passionately about guy things like golf. And remote controls. Just not this time).
I cannot walk past Lindt Chocolate, whether it's in the candy aisle at Wegmans, Kings or its own fragrant niche at Bridgewater Commons (cheek to jowl with Dale & Thomas Popcorn--but that's another column...) Intense Orange. Extra Dark Truffles. The 85 or even 99% (this one decidedly not for sissies). But, alas, I am a fickle lover; one level away in the mall I will not turn down a fresh-dipped strawberry from Godiva. A dense wedge of homemade fudge at Flemington's Penn Dutch market. The bittersweet bite of my favorite-from-childhood Droste pastilles (my grandfather used to slip rolls of them into my pocket without my mother seeing) in Minette's of Frenchtown.
As far as I'm concerned, all roads lead to chocolate; what road do you take? Tell me. I will travel almost anywhere for sublime chocolate! As my 2007 Lindt calendar says, "Life is too short for ordinary chocolate."

The Artifacts of Life

My current craving is for outdoor decor. Are there any salvage yards or the like that anyone knows of to get great garden and yard decor? My first post comment! (thank you, Shoppingizlife...and I love your user name!). We're two weeks away from Earth Day but this query is the perfect tie-in for the recycling-conscious. Made some calls and clicked away at my keyboard. Here are two places within shouting distance that offer outdoor artifacts to go with the flora and fauna:
Recycling the Past (recyclingthepast.com) is a family-owned and operated business that wants to meet the needs of everyone, from "the do-it-yourself inclined, to contractors, renovators, designers, daydream believers and homecoming queens" (cheer up Sleepy Jeanne--couldn't resist a bit of Monkeeing around...) Decorative garden urns, statuary, fountains, iron gates, furniture, sundials, planters, trellises, benches and fencing are just some of the items to choose from in a variety of mediums such as cast iron, carved limestone, marble, terra cotta and cast Portland.
And located in Titusville (not far from Lambertville) is Baxter's Architectural Antiques (609-737-1801). As Bill Baxter puts it, "we carry (as our backs permit) architectural antiques, garden ornaments, ornate ironwork, vintage building material...we also can custom design pieces utilizing salvaged or reclaimed materials."
Anybody out there with other suggestions for local salvage yards and/or reclaimed architectural artifacts emporiums please write in.
P.S. --thank you, Ruthie, for answering my query about Target Greatland; she explains that a Target Greatland is typically a "150,000 square feet store that carries a larger selection of general merchandise than a basic Target store."

Target Practice

"Don't tell anyone where you got that dress!," gently admonished a very lovely person whom I met last night at a musical gala. One minute earlier she had complimented me on my favorite version of The Little Black Dress: a simple spaghetti-strap A-line just grazing my knees. "Isaac Mizrahi...22 dollars at Tar-JAY (Target for the uninitiated)," I couldn't resist blurting out. See first sentence for her response.

Yes, Target (OK, I'll spell it right). They really do have their marketing finger on the pulse of the shopping public. The selection is an interesting mix of staples, fashion-forward seasonal clothing and furnishings, name brand grocery and sundry items as well as their own Archer Farms edibles (this is what all store brands strive to but rarely taste like, with such deliciously different treats as Key Lime White Chocolate Chip Cookies and Peanut Butter Dipped Pretzel Rods). They just have a knack for making the upscale affordable, attainable, attracting boldface design talents like Mizrahi, Michael Graves and Cynthia Rowley. And I like their logo canine (he reminds me of Petie, the Little Rascals' mascot).

Now can anyone tell me the significance of the word Greatlands in some of the locations?

Happy shopping!

A little known fact about Pompeii: Among the finds of the archeologists who unearthed this once-thriving metropolis buried in the fury of Mt. Vesuvius' ashes were the frozen-in-time denizens still waiting patiently on line for the big annual sale at The Shops at Caesar's Palace, hence the origin of the phrase, "shop til you drop." No, I didn't think you'd buy this story either, but it does illustrate how seriously all, well, some of us take our shopping!

I am an inveterate shopper (note I did not say wildly successful at ferreting out bargains -- sadly this gene which I should have inherited from my shopping maven grandmother skipped me entirely and went directly to my daughter).

Having exhausted (slight exaggeration) the stores on Long Island (my original home turf) and relocated several years ago to Central Jersey (truly the shopping capital of the world!), I am still in my honeymoon period of exploring locations that are new, different, quirky, reliable, unusual, "mom 'n pop", historic and so on. Places that are almost hidden right under my nose and if it weren't for a conveniently-placed red light I would never notice (like the Courtyards at Pluckemin or The Shops at Bedminster).

In all seriousness, while I do shop the big box stores, I am a big proponent of our downtowns--this is where the real finds are often unearthed. Enough out of me in this maiden effort; please post suggestions of where you enjoy shopping around here, which places merit a mention and etc. I see this blog as a great opportunity to unearth brick & mortar as well as web-based shopping destinations in this region (and it will further expand my driving directional skills in the Garden State for which my husband will give his grateful thanks.) Happy Shopping!