Media, PA September 2023

The Most Experienced Real Estate

Gary and his team are obsessed with making each client's experience the best that it can be. Your negotiations are personally handled by YOUR realtor, not an assistant. The Scheivert team does things the old-fashioned way with results that prove it works time and time again.

Gary Scheivert knows Media - basketball at Media Youth Center, football at Rose Tree Colts - and even his mom was crowned "Miss Media."

Looking Good In the Neighborhood

This month I’d like to start off with a message of gratitude.  Gratitude for my editor (aka Karin, my wife), my photographers, writers, and associates.  This magazine is a labor of love for me and without the support of my team, this would not be possible.  But also our community, who have shared positive feedback via calls, emails, or social media posts.  My goal from the beginning has always been to provide uplifting and informative content about the community I call home. (someone hand me a hankie)

With handkerchief in hand, let’s talk fashion.  In this month’s issue, we’re highlighting fashion and style from head to toe and home too.  Start with Denise MacKrell and her gal pal team at Van Gogh Salon devote their time to first listening to clients and then making them feel beautiful (or handsome). Attention to detail is very important to Denise, and so is constantly learning and embracing change.

Looking for something really unique? Consider clothing sustainability.  Our features on Clothes Mentor and Magic Threads highlight that everything old is new again.  These two shops feature gently worn clothing and accessories.  Many of which are luxury designer brands at a fraction of their original price.  These items are also authenticated to ensure if it says Lois Vuitton, it’s legit and not a knock-off.

But maybe you’re your own designer.  Media’s very own Homesewn offers the budding or seasoned designer all the tools, patterns, and fabrics to hit the runway.  Or maybe you prefer the relaxation of knitting or crocheting.  Homesewn stocks the highest quality natural yarns.   Have a little one at home who like crafts? Then check out the ongoing workshops for make and take.  The ideas are limitless.

Keeping in mind that your home is an extension of your style, interior designer Lauren Mink shares her insights on how to achieve that look. She explains how to combine style, personality, function, practicality, and ways to source those design elements.  Lauren also suggests questions you need to ask yourself before you go off and buy that zebra pattern rug.  All in all, you’ll now look at your home in a whole new light.

And as always, Editor Karin Davidson showcases the thing we all really want, an end of summer cocktail recipe.  This month, the classic Bay Breeze.  Not only refreshing, but provides an instant tropical escape.

Thank you all and I’ll see you on State Street!

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Kari Tumminia | kari.tumminia@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Jayne Toohey | Jayne@jayne2e.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kari Tumminia, Karin Davidson, Sharon Blauer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jayne Toohey

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

From trees planted nearly 200 years ago to showcase lilacs to varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas found nowhere else, the collections at Tyler Arboretum have thrived for generations under the care of expert horticulturists.

A healthy portfolio requires the same oversight and, sometimes, pruning.

MEMBERS’ WEALTH, LLC can help. Like passionate gardeners, our team of professionals in investment strategy, financial and estate planning, taxation, and law work together to shape a comprehensive wealth management solution, with personal service, regular reviews and recommendations for healthy growth.

Experience a refreshing level of responsiveness and attention to your needs and goals. As long-time Delaware County residents, we’re focused on helping our community’s individuals, families, and institutions thrive.

Talk to us when you’re ready to grow.

“

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @mediacitylifestyle

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Properly Pressed Opens in Media Offering Organic Juice Blends

DELCO native and Media resident Jillian Maher opens Properly Pressed on State street.  Jillian turned her passion for food and healthy lifestyle into a unique retail/ subscription-based delivery service for fresh, organically-sourced fruit and vegetable juices.  Properly Pressed uses organic heirloom fruits and vegetables to create custom-tailored cold-pressed juice blends providing support for overall health and vitality. Made only a few hours prior to delivery, juices are packaged in surgical-grade glass bottles to maintain freshness longer.  properly-pressed.com

Scan to read more.

Members’ Wealth Welcomes Director of Advisory, Tim Macarak, CFP

Tim Macarak, CFP®, a seasoned financial professional with almost two decades of experience, has joined Members' Wealth as the Director of Wealth Advisory.  With success in empowering individuals, families, and institutional clients to achieve their financial dreams, Tim's unique family office service approach sets him apart as an exceptional advisor. His dedication to excellence will undoubtedly transform the landscape of wealth management and client service at Members’ Wealth. memberswealthllc.com

Scan to read more.

Rotary Club of Media and MAC Announce Media Multicultural Music Festival

A new music event celebrating diversity, will be held in Media on Saturday, September 9th, 12-6PM, (rain date September 10th ) at the Media Courthouse Quad. Featuring five multicultural performers and ethnic food trucks, it’s being brought to you by the Rotary Club of Media and the Media Arts Council. The main sponsor is the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, Jefferson Health. mediarotary.org/

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Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Media

Van Gogh

One of Media's Styling and Coloring Best

Denise Mackrell, owner of Van Gogh, explains, “Consultations are very important. It’s necessary to understand exactly what the client is looking for and what maintenance is required to make it work for them. Face shape, hair texture, and how often you are willing to maintain your look is all considered. We love pictures for choices. Hairstyle pictures on the internet are often photoshopped, so come with ideas with the understanding that it may or may not be achievable. We offer complimentary consultations and bang trims to our existing clients.

Experience counts.  “I have been in the beauty industry for over 40 years. Throughout these years I have been involved in many facets of the industry. I educated for over 20 years. I have been featured in Mainline Today, Delaware Today and doing extreme makeovers for the 10 Show.,” answers Denise.

CONTINUED >

FINDING THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN FUNCTION AND AESTHETIC

DISCOVERING YOUR DESIGN STYLE

As an interior designer, Media local Lauren Mink, owner of Providence Home & Design wants you to know one thing– Your home is your sanctuary, a reflection of your personality, and a place where you find comfort and solace. Choosing the right interior design style is crucial to creating spaces that not only look beautiful, but also serve your practical needs.

While there are numerous design styles to explore, from traditional to modern, coastal to rustic, discovering your unique style can be an exciting journey– one Lauren takes her clients on each and every day.  In fact, over making beautiful spaces alone, Lauren is most committed to helping her clients on the journey of discovering what they love, even if they don’t know what that is yet! “It's a great thing to be able to help people live in a place that they are happy about and proud of and feel comfortable in,” she told us in a recent interview. Her best advice for those wanting to refresh their home? Start with function over style. “I would say think about, first and foremost, function… If you see a room in a magazine that you think looks really beautiful and you want your house to look like that, great! But make sure that room is going to function the way you need it to.”

By prioritizing function over style, you can create a home filled with spaces that you genuinely love and enjoy. Once you’ve determined how a space in your home needs to function to serve your and your family’s practical needs, then think about aesthetics. Lauren gives each of her clients a custom quiz to help them determine what they like and what they don’t. But you can start with these popular interior design styles she sees most often.

TRADITIONAL ELEGANCE

If you find charm in timeless appeal and appreciate classic elements, the traditional design style may be your perfect match.

Characterized by ornate details, rich colors, and antique furnishings, this style exudes sophistication and refinement. Look for furniture with intricate carvings, plush upholstery, and elegant draperies. Warm, inviting, and often formal, traditional spaces create an ambiance of luxury and comfort.

TRANSITIONAL HARMONY

For those who love the best of both worlds, the transitional style combines elements of traditional and modern design. Emphasizing clean lines, neutral color palettes, and a mix of textures, this style offers a harmonious balance between classic and contemporary. Choose furniture with simple silhouettes

and incorporate subtle pops of color and pattern to achieve a seamless blend of old and new.

MODERN SIMPLICITY

Sleek, clean, and uncluttered – the modern design style is defined by a focus on functionality and open spaces. Modern interiors embrace the beauty of simplicity. Opt for furniture with clean lines, neutral colors, and a lack of ornate detailing. Use minimalist decor to accentuate the space without overwhelming it, creating an atmosphere of sleek sophistication.

MINIMALIST ZEN

If you believe in the mantra "less is more," the minimalist style might resonate with you. Striving for simplicity and decluttered spaces, minimalism embraces neutral color schemes, open floor plans, and multifunctional furniture pieces. Embrace natural light, incorporate storage solutions, and remove unnecessary items to achieve a calming and serene environment.

MAXIMALIST ECLECTICISM

For the adventurous souls who love bold statements and vibrant colors, the

maximalist style offers a playful and eclectic approach to design. Layer patterns, mix and match colors, and display an array of decorative items to express your personality. While maximalist spaces are vibrant and energetic, be mindful of creating visual balance and harmony to avoid overwhelming the senses.

COASTAL SERENITY

If you find peace and tranquility by the sea, the coastal design style may resonate with you. Emphasizing a light and airy atmosphere, this style incorporates soft colors inspired by the ocean and beach. Furniture with natural textures like rattan or wicker complements the coastal theme. Add nautical decor elements like seashells, driftwood, and ocean-inspired artwork to evoke the feeling of a beachside retreat.

RUSTIC WARMTH

For those who love the charm of countryside living and appreciate natural elements, the rustic design style is a great choice. Warm and welcoming, this style incorporates wood, stone, and other natural materials to create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Look for vintage or distressed furniture, warm color palettes, and embrace imperfections to highlight the beauty of rustic living.

PRIORITIZE FUNCTION OVER STYLE

While exploring different design styles can be fun and inspiring, Lauren reminds her clients that it's essential to prioritize function over aesthetics

WHILE THERE ARE NUMEROUS DESIGN STYLES TO EXPLORE, FROM TRADITIONAL TO MODERN, COASTAL TO RUSTIC, DISCOVERING YOUR UNIQUE STYLE CAN BE AN EXCITING JOURNEY.

when creating your dream home. Consider your lifestyle, daily routines, and the specific needs of your family. Think about how each space will be used and what elements are essential for its functionality. For example, if you have young children or pets, choose durable and easy-to-clean materials for furniture and flooring. For those who love to cook, invest in a well-designed kitchen with ample storage and efficient workspaces. Emphasize comfort and practicality in living areas and bedrooms to ensure a relaxing and restful environment.

FINDING YOUR PERFECT BALANCE: STYLE & FUNCTION

Your interior design style should be a reflection of your personality and lifestyle. It's entirely possible to have a home that is both functional and visually appealing with spaces that bring you joy and comfort while also serving their intended purpose. To discover your ideal design style, start by gathering inspiration from various sources like magazines, social media, and interior design blogs. Consider creating a mood board or Pinterest board to collect images that you love. Look for common themes and elements that appeal to your taste. Lauren reminds her clients to feel free to mix and match elements from different styles to create a unique and personalized look. Your home should be a reflection of your individuality, so embrace your creativity and trust your instincts! Then, identify the function of your space.  Do you entertain a lot? Do you have children or pets? Do you need additional seating areas? Consider how you will use the space and what elements might be necessary to make it a practical fit for those needs.

Finally, Lauren recommends considering your budget. Know what you can reasonably spend and make your plan realistic. Consider investing in larger items and adding smaller items over time, or, explore purchasing second-hand pieces. And, of course, don’t forget to consider what you already have that might be able to be reincorporated into a new look. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of traditional decor, the simplicity of modern spaces, or the eclectic charm of maximalism, remember that your home is your canvas to create a space you truly love and enjoy. Happy decorating!

Hidden Gem: Men's and Women's Fashion in Media

MAGIC THREADS CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE OFFERS AN ECLECTIC AND WELL CURATED SELECTION OF GENTLY USED APPAREL, HANDBAGS, SHOES, AND ACCESSORIES.

Tucked away in an intimate space in Media, Magic Threads Consignment offers an eclectic, well curated array. Not only a peaceful and welcoming environment, it comes with owner Catriona Whitehead's personal styling expertise. It's hard not to enjoy every facet of this environmentally conscious and stylish locale. Located in the Media Mini Mall at 211 W State St.

Building a Close-knit Community

Coming together, practicing and learning practical skills for life

Joey Silverthorn started out in the haberdashery industry through working from home. She had two Etsy stores. One of them arose out of necessity - when she went looking for crib sheets and couldn’t find any, she opted to make her own. Eventually, Joey became a distributor.

After building a successful business from home over 8 years ago, she made the decision to branch out into educating others about how to sew and knit. She admits that part of that decision had to do with a desire to make a change from the tedium and frequent isolation of solopreneurship: “You’re there by yourself churning away;” she lamented. The change proved refreshing. “[Educating others] is so much fun;” she said. “I get to meet other creative people in the neighborhood.”

In fact, Homesewn’s summer camp for kids filled up quickly.  But people of all ages can learn how to make a quilt, an article of clothing, a bag, stuffed animal or learn how to knit through their ongoing courses, usually taught in 2-hour bite-sized intervals. Workshops have up to 6 students per session, with participants working on their own unique projects.

Of course, not everybody is a beginner, partially thanks to the pandemic. Yarn work in particular gained in popularity during the COVID pandemic. Lots of people learned the skill, not just to create, but simply to occupy their minds, using it as a form of meditation.

More experienced craftspeople can get their supplies of yarn and fabric. The materials provided in Homesewn’s

products and their courses are top of the line: “We don’t sell any acrylic yarn,” Joey explains; “we only have natural fibers.” Although she claims that there’s arguably nothing wrong with non-natural fibers, she discloses, “I don’t want to wear a plastic sweater!” They also have a selection of organic fibers available. You’ll find a collection of bright colors and mix and match patterns on offer.

For those who want to work on their projects at their facility, the center opens up their workshop at designated times where people are welcome to use the machines, tables, cutting tools as well as enjoy a large ironing station: “If you iron a big space of fabric, it’s hard to do it on a small ironing board;” Joey explains. “It also provides a great opportunity for likeminded people to socialize as they create.” Open Sew is available Wednesday nights from 5:30-8pm and Friday afternoons from 1-3:30pm.

"We don't sell any acrylic yarn,” Joey explains; “We only have natural fibers." Although she does say that there's arguably nothing wrong with non-natural fibers, she admits, "I don't want to wear a plastic sweater!"

Style Re-fashioned

CLOTHES MENTOR IS A WOMENS’ RESALE STORE THAT PAYS YOU TO SHOP!

Clothes Mentor is a sustainable solution to fast fashion. The production of clothing is very taxing on the environment and once briefly worn,  those clothes fill landfills long before they’re worn out. Clothes Mentor provides the perfect solution! Once you’ve worn something and you’re ready to part with it, take it right over to Clothes Mentor and sell it! You’ll walk away with cash in hand or you can choose store credit to get something new! No appointment needed to sell, just walk on in.

When Stephen and Christine Barnett decided to open the stores, they wanted to do something good for the community, the environment and the teams running the stores. They have three locations in the Philadelphia area. Springfield, West Chester and Plymouth Meeting. The three locations provide the same exceptional customer service and friendly atmosphere along with the basics…..paying the customer to shop! When you walk into Clothes Mentor you’re greeted by smiles and immediately feel at home. That’s the Clothes Mentor Way. The Springfield location is run by Marissa Lare, an artist who loves to bring her creativity and warmth to the position.

Aside from everyday, gently used women’s apparel, shoes and accessories, Clothes Mentor buys luxury designer items! If you have Louis, Gucci, Chanel, etc., Marissa and her team will research the item and give you the very best price they can for those designer beauties. If you’re in the market for a new handbag, shoes or jewelry and don’t want to pay the luxury prices, Clothes Mentor is a fantastic way for you to be able to buy those items at a lower cost! An outside authentication service is used for

all luxury designer items too, so you can be totally sure you’re getting the real deal! All in all, Clothes Mentor is a fantastic place to make money on items you’re no longer using and it’s also a place where you can find some absolutely incredible items for a fraction of the cost of retail! Head on over to Clothes Mentor in Springfield and say hi to Marissa and her fantastic team. Don’t forget to bring some items to sell!

Lively Libations

Close your eyes and picture yourself lounging on a beach, the sun warming your skin and the sound of the waves lulling you into a state of relaxation. What could possibly make this moment even better? A refreshing cocktail, of course!

The Bay Breeze

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ ounces of 100% pineapple juice

• 1 ounce vodka (your favorite brand)

• 3 ounces 100% unsweetened cranberry juice (do not use sweetened)

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or simple syrup

• 1 lime wedge and 1 triangle of pineapple

DIRECTIONS

(Can be stirred, shaken or layered)

1. Add the vodka and pineapple juice to a glass and stir. Fill with ice.

2. In another glass, mix unsweetened cranberry juice and simple syrup and stir. Or to make a layered drink, tip the glass of pineapple juice & vodka and slowly pour the cranberry with syrup along the side of glass so that it can bypass the pineapple juice and get to the bottom

3. Garnish with a lime wedge & pineapple triangle and serve - adding a squeeze of lime is great too!

4. Sit back, relax and ENJOY!

THE BAY BREEZE - AN ODE TO SUMMER SPENT. REFRESHINGLY GOOD, AND NOT TOO SWEET

A LIFESTYLE You’ve Waited For!

Education, business meetings, maintaining a home, raising a family, making sacrifices…you spent a lifetime doing it all to get where you are today.

Now it’s time to think about your future!

With amenities and services that include weekly housekeeping, home maintenance, a dining plan that gives you access to four restaurants and a full-service bar, state-of-the-art fitness center, transportation, our Lifecare contract and so much more; Riddle Village may be the perfect fit for your next chapter in life.

You give us 60 days; we give you the future you deserve!

Reach out today to learn more about our apartment renovation program and how we can have you living your best life in just 60 days.