South Orange Archives - Natalie Farrell

Play Day in South Orange

September 22, 2016 by Natalie Knows...

This Sunday PlayDay will take over the streets of South Orange Village from 1 to 6 pm. This is definitely one of the greatest days of the year for little ones. There is a zip line, inflatable zone, music, street games, skate park, art, food etc, etc. I’m sponsoring the event and will be there with balloons, tattoos and a raffle for Boccone South (because adults deserve something fun too!). See you Sunday! Details here.

The Seton Village Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival is this Friday 5 to 10 pm on Irvington Avenue between Ward Place and Tichenor Avenue/Riggs Place. There will be 15 food trucks, a craft beer garden and four local bands. This is the third year for the event and it’s always a lot of fun. I’m happy to be a sponsor and look forward to trying all the beers:) See you there! Details here.

Meet hair stylist Yoni Kreger

September 12, 2016 by Natalie Knows...

You are from Israel. How long have you been in New Jersey?
Thirteen years. We moved to South Orange from Rutherford two years ago.

Why South Orange?
I had a salon in SOHO at the time and the commute from South Orange was better. We also came for the diverse community and better schools.

Was Y Gallery Salon in SOHO your first shop?
No, I opened a salon in Israel when I finished my time in the army at 21 and had it until I was 28.

When did you open Yoni Kreger? And why here?
Seven months ago. Because South Orange feels a lot like NY. And because I always wanted to work close to home. It takes me two minutes to get here.

When did you start cutting hair?
When I was 14. My mother was my first client. She’s a lot like me. A risk taker.

And your wife? A risk taker as well with her hair?
Not so much (says with a smile).

What’s your opinion on washing hair i.e.: how often?
Every other day is okay. Dry shampoo is a good filler.

What about maintenance?
Hair should be trimmed every six weeks to maintain a healthy look. Even if it is just a little trim, it makes a difference.

You’ve worked with a lot of fashion people. Craziest colors you’ve done?
I’ve done it all. Every color imaginable. For one event we did the hair to go with a Salvador Dali painting. That was fun.

Whose style do you admire?
I like Rhianna’s hair. She’s brave. And it’s fun to see her looks become mainstream two years later.

Biggest mistake people make with their hair?
Coloring it themselves. Don’t do it! We get so many people in to have their color fixed. A lot goes into the process. More than you can do with a box.

What do you miss most about Israel?
Besides family and friends, the food. Although I’ve become a fan of Bunny’s burgers lately.

Favorite place to vacation?
Mexico

Favorite meal?
Chicken and potatoes.

Music?
80’s and 90’s. Anything with a good beat.

How’s is it living in South Orange so far?
I’ve never seen a community like this one. Everyone truly cares about seeing South Orange do well. In our old neighborhood no one said hi. Here it is the opposite. It is a dream come true really.

If you haven’t been in to check out the new Yoni Kreger salon, do so, it’s beautiful. Say you saw this post and Yoni will give you 10% off your haircut now through the end of September.

YoniKregersalon.com / 973-762-2900 / 9 West South Orange Avenue

Art Bender May 14-15

April 25, 2016 by Natalie Knows...

Have you all been in to check out Arts Unbound in Maplewood Village (100 Baker Street)? The space looks great and what a wonderful philosophy – to promote the passion and careers of disabled and elderly artists. I’m very excited to team with Arts Unbound as a sponsor for an upcoming event called Art Bender. For 24 hours (May 14-15, noon to noon) it’s time to get your creative on. Whatever it is – tackling a garden project, painting with the kids, playing guitar – you name it – just get artsy and share it at #artbender. According to lead volunteer Danni Michaeli, the hope is to make this an annual event. “This is the time to do that project you’ve been putting off,” he said. “Tell your friends and neighbors, spread the news.” To sign up for the event, sponsor an artist or get more details about organized activities planned that day for kids visit artbender.org. Check out this fun video here by Cass Pohlenz.

Meet Caryn Krueger of CSM-Art & Frame

March 21, 2016 by Natalie Knows...

When did you open CSM Art & Frame?
I opened CSM in October of 1994. We are proud to say we are in our 21st year!

What is your background that led you to having an art gallery/ framing business?
I studied business management and art history at Ithaca College. I then received my Appraisers Certificate from NYU and worked at a local art gallery and auction house before forming my business.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I continue to get excited when I place that perfect piece. I know I am meant to do this because after 21-years I still get that thrill.

Your gallery is amazing. How did you come to be in this space?
As the business grew, we felt the need to look for a different kind of space. Our current move to our three-story carriage house with its exposed brick, natural light and high ceilings is so conducive for showing all different types of artistic mediums. The move enabled us to increase our custom framing service as well. We now carry more than 6,000 frames, which include lucite, gold leaf and a new collection of leather frames. We believe that how you view art makes such a difference, we are constantly reminded of it when we hang a new piece in this space.

What kind of events do you have here?
Last year we threw a grand opening celebration and have since had several exhibitions. Our most recent event was a Valentine’s inspired display that included playful and provocative pieces. In April we will be featuring “First Bloom 2016”, a multimedia showcase of floral artwork. In the coming months we plan to do more collaborative events with the interior designers that we work with.
Buying art is such a personal thing. What advise can you offer to those just starting out?
Seeking the advice of a professional, whether with art or design, is important for those just starting to collect. However, one should buy what speaks to them on a personal and emotion level. When I see a piece and cannot stop thinking about it, then I know it is something I will enjoy for years to come (sadly, there were plenty of those pieces I went back for and they were gone).
Do you have a personal favorite style of art?
There is not one specific medium or style that I consider to be my favorite. I love tiny etchings, but on any given day I might crave a big, bold colorful contemporary abstract. That is the great part about furnishing a home with a collectionâ€”you can use the art to give each room its own distinct character. Our gallery offers a very diverse selection of art so we can help our clients achieve that goal. Buy what you love.

What is the trick to creating a gallery wall?
Start with one or two pieces to anchor the collection then build around it to balance and create something that feels collected over time. Each piece can be varied and unrelated to the others. They don’t have to match. Custom designed framing can bring together the arrangement. We offer layout and install services.

What do you like about having your business in downtown Chatham?
We are thrilled that we made the move to Chatham. The quaint town offers a myriad of shops and dining and is easily accessible by car and the NYC train lines. We are centrally located to a large interior design community as well as their clients.

Three things that would surprise people about you?
I faint at Bris ceremonies, I don’t like clowns and I broke my nose 3 times. I also can juggle (multi task simultaneously!)

You live in South Orange. What is that like?
South Orange is a rich, culturally diverse community. I love attending a local neighborhood party and meeting playwrights, actors, editors literally down the street from my home. I am always amazed by the quality and quantity of talented artists right in my own backyard.

Visit CSM Art & Frame at 295 Main Street, (Carriage House) and check out their website here and blog here. Thanks Caryn!!

Meet Cathy Roma of What Should I Make For…

December 8, 2015 by Natalie Knows...

What prompted you to write your food blog, What Should I Make for..?
I have my family and friends to thank for the inspiration behind my blog. I canâ€™t tell you how many times Iâ€™ve received a text asking â€œWhat should I make for dinner tonight?â€ or â€œWhatâ€™s an easy recipe for ______?â€. It got me thinking that I should create a resource that could be easily accessed by others and allow me to store and catalog my recipes. The blog really feeds my creative side since Iâ€™m forever experimenting with new techniques and cuisines. Of course those comforting family favorites that really deserve to be shared are featured there as well.

When and how did you get into cooking?
Iâ€™ve been cooking as long as I can remember. I hung around my grandma in the kitchen before I could see over the countertop and my mom taught me to cook a few dishes when I was 11 or 12. It wasnâ€™t long before I was making dinner every night for my family and trying my hand at whipping up various cookies and cakes after school. I didnâ€™t pursue a career in cooking until after college and working fulltime in recruiting/human resources, I found that banging around in the kitchen preserved my sanity after a long day behind a desk and one day took the leap to follow my passion. I attended culinary school at the Institute of Culinary Education and worked in Manhattan restaurants before moving to Maplewood to start a family. Since living in SOMA (we moved from Maplewood to South Orange in 2010) Iâ€™ve split my time between raising my sons and creating a baking business. I baked, decorated and delivered cookies, cupcakes and cake pops locally for my online bakery before deciding to close up shop and focus on the blog.

Cooking verses baking?
Ah, the age old question. Iâ€™m probably an even split which isnâ€™t usually the norm. I love the freedom of cookingâ€¦a splash here, a dash there; it really doesnâ€™t have to be exact to come out great. However, baking is a science and even the slightest variation can leave you with a hockey puck instead of a fluffy biscuit. As much as I enjoy the flexibility of cooking, I really do appreciate the order and structure to baking. Instead of right brain/left brain dominant, I guess Iâ€™m right down the middle.

What is the secret to getting kids to eat healthy?
Iâ€™ve wrestled with that for years with my boys, ages 9 and 11. Iâ€™ve found the more that I pushed the leafy greens, the further they withdrew. Iâ€™m a big believer in moderation. I try to serve a well-balanced meal and not force them to be part of the clean-plate-club, no matter how much the Italian grandma in me resists. Iâ€˜m okay with a little something sweet after dinner too, but maybe balance that with an apple or carrot sticks for their snacks.

Three must-haveâ€™s for throwing a great party?
1- Music â€“ you thought I was going to say food first right? Nope, music sets the mood and puts people at ease as soon as they walk in the door. We always make a playlist and have it going throughout the house until the wee hours. 2- A grazing menu â€“ If Iâ€™m throwing a big party I donâ€™t dare put anything out that requires a fork or knife. I focus on lots of finger foods, both hot and cold. This allows your guests to mingle and keep the party moving. 3- A specialty cocktail (or two) â€“ Having a full bar for a large group can get costly and time consuming if you donâ€™t have a bartender. When I host a party, I always mix up a specialty cocktail or two for my guests in addition to serving wine/beer/soft drinks. Think sangria or margaritas in the summer, cranberry martinis for Christmas or a champagne cocktail or classic Manhattan on New Yearâ€™s Eve.

Your go to recipe for a simple appetizer?
Crostini! Itâ€™s versatile and the perfect vessel for cheeses, tapenade, spreads, etc. Grab a baguette, slice it thinly, drizzle the slices with good olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then toast in the oven and top with your favorites, either store-bought or homemade. A go-to for me is crostini topped with fresh burrata or mozzarella, roasted tomatoes and a sprinkle of basil. I also love a big batch of flavored caramel popcorn (http://www.whatshouldimakefor.com/lemon-thyme-caramel-corn/). Itâ€™s an easy nibble when guests are sipping and socializing.

The key to holiday entertaining?
Make as much as possible in advance. I know we all end up hanging out in the kitchen at the end of the night, but no one should spend the whole evening in there, especially the host! Your guests have come to spend time with you, so prep as much as you can before they arrive so you can enjoy the conversation and a cocktail (or two)!

Recipe for simple holiday dessert?
I love to have something that looks vibrant on the plate. A favorite dessert for Christmas is a spiced poached pear in red wine. Poached pears are super simple to make, can be done in advance and are a lighter alternative to heavy Christmas puddings or cakes. Pretty decorated cookies are also fun to serve when the whole family gets together. My boys enjoy being able to choose their favorite design and love to help decorate them too.

Three things that would surprise people about you?
1- I rarely cook for just myself. 2- I have a soft spot for a can of SpaghettiOs. 3- I love it when others cook for me. Itâ€™s fun to be a guest too!

How did you chose to live in South Orange?
There are so many things to love about South Orange and Maplewood! We have a wonderfully diverse population, a vibrant artist community, and beautiful, unique homes on gorgeous tree-lined streets. I love that I can just as easily take a hike in the reservation or grab the train into the city, depending on my mood. The proximity to the city is a huge draw for my family since my husband works in Manhattan and I head in frequently to get my fix of the latest restaurants. Canâ€™t imagine raising a family anywhere else!

Check out Cathy’s recipes and blog What Should I Make For…. here. Thanks Cathy!

Meet Run Jump Lift trainer Katie Payne

November 5, 2015 by Natalie Knows...

What exactly is CrossFit training?
It is officially defined as constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity. In plain terms, we push, pull, squat, run, jump and lift among other things. At Run Jump Lift we work on building strength, stamina and mobility as well as develop the mindset of an athlete. We encourage people of all fitness levels to try CrossFit – any workout can be modified according to the athlete’s skill level.

How does this differ from other workout programs?
CrossFit is never boring! Each day is a new workout that develops and tests different aspects of one’s fitness. CrossFit’s specialty is not specializing – so one day we might do rowing or running and another day our WOD (workout of the day) might be weightlifting or gymnastics or, most likely, a combination of all.

What made you become a trainer?
I fell in love with CrossFit when I first started working out at Run Jump Lift. Originally I didn’t think of myself as an athlete. Working out at RJL changed me mentally and physically and I was inspired to become a coach so that I can help others get to the point where they believe they are capable of greatness. When someone gets into that mindset it not only makes them a badass at the gym, it carries over into their life outside the gym. I do one-on-one training as well as small group coaching.

Do you have another job as well?
I am a hairstylist.

Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Middletown, NJ and moved to South Orange by way of Brooklyn.

Is nutrition an important part of CrossFit training?
Many CrossFit athletes follow the Paleo diet (no grains, no legumes, no dairy) and others follow the Zone, but I do not believe in a one-size fits all diet. I think everyone should think of their body as a lab and experiment with what works for them. The one rule I do think works for everyone is to cut back or eliminate sugar in all forms.

Motivational words for the novice or couch potato?
While many people have the preconceived notion that CrossFit is way too intense for a novice, it is scalable to any level. You will be encouraged to push yourself and reach outside your comfort zone, but the workouts aren’t usually very long so before you know it you are done and can get on with the rest of your day. CrossFit is perfect for the person who does not want to spend hours at the gym slogging away on a treadmill or elliptical.

Tell us three things about you that would surprise people.
This is the first time in my life that I consider myself an athlete; I didn’t play sports as a kid. I am an avid gardener and bird watcher. I worked as an art director in advertising for several years before making a career change.

Why South Orange?
I love the community in South Orange. I have made some of my best friends since moving here. The diversity of people and the creativity that abounds in this town is amazing. And it’s a very beautiful place to live.

Check out Run Jump Lift at 372 Lackawanna Place, South Orange.
Or call to schedule a one-on-one training session with Katie 973-313-3187.
Visit their website here. Thanks Katie!

Natalie Farrell

The Buying & Selling Process