Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

STAY

CELEBRATE

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Let it Grow!

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

Evan Deuvall

AFTER DIGGING OUT FROM OUR LONG SNOWY WINTER, SINGING THESE

L AYO UT DESIGNER

WORDS TO THE TUNE OF FROZEN’S HIT SONG “LET IT GO” SEEMS MORE

Jayme Emery

THAN APPROPRIATE! (and my apologies if that tune is now stuck in your head for the rest of the day).

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stacy Graebner, Donna Hoffman, Christine Toy Dragoni

Now that April is here, we gladly welcome signs of spring – flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the sun is shining. Along with the glorious season of spring comes hope and the promise of a new beginning, which we also gladly welcome. This issue is all about celebrating the natural beauty around us and appreciating the many efforts our community is making to support our earth. Check out our feature on Bucks Beautiful, a wonderful nonprofit that is dedicated to enhancing Bucks County’s local landscape through community events, planting and reforestation, and educational programs. We also celebrate the many businesses in our area that are doing their part to be environmentally responsible. Read the story behind Playa Bowls, a company that delivers healthy food and a fun atmosphere while staying true to their eco-conscious mission. We also highlight a selection of local boutiques who are proving that what’s old can be cool again with their unique vintage, consignment and upcycled merchandise. This is also an excellent time to consider what we as consumers can do to make

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

sustainable living a priority in our daily lives. Our interior design expert, Donna

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Hoffman, offers several practical, eco-friendly ways to update our homes. Finally,

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

if you have been considering the environmental benefits of converting to a hybrid

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

car, you’ll want to read our review of the RX450h from Haldeman Lexus. Since 2005, Lexus has been a trailblazer in offering luxury electrified, fuel-efficient cars. Cheers to a happy and very green spring! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Checkers the English

Stacy Graebner, Editor

cocker spaniel enjoying the daffodils in

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Washington Crossing Historic Park.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY BUCHANAN. PHOTO

COURTESY

BUCKS

BEAUTIFUL “BULBS FOR BUCKS” DAFFODIL PHOTO CONTEST 4

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

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

photo: www.tomgrimes.com

Timeless, Elegant and Comfortable Spaces / Full-Service Interior Design Patnering with Clients Throughout Bucks County KARIN@KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM | WWW.KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM (609) 474-0069 | PENNINGTON , NEW JERSEY

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 16 Eco-Friendly Ways to Renovate Your Home 20 Bucks Beautiful Local non-profit is committed to enhancing our local landscape and promoting a healthy environment

24 What’s Old is New Again 6 Entrepreneurs who are Reducing, Reusing and Recycling!

24 20

32 Healthy and Sustainable Playa Bowls promotes an eco-friendly mission...one bowl at a time!

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Driver’s Notebook

Open House

24 Locally Owned 26 Inspired By 30 Realty Report 32 Healthy Lifestyle

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HI TEA BAR OPENS ON STATE STREET

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Hi Tea Bar celebrated its grand opening recently on

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ble tea, specialty coffee and tea drinks, smoothies, and crepes! Stop by this clean and cozy new hot spot, or

RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE'S ANNOUNCES MONTHLY ART SERIES

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a NEW monthly art series celebrating local artists with curated exhibitions that are open to the

BC DISCOVERIES DANCE & THEATER ARTS COMPANY NEW LOCATION

public. The series kicked off on March 16th with a showcase by New Hope artist, Pearl Mintzer who

BC Discoveries Dance & Theater Arts Co

shared her digital representations of entertainment

(BCDTA), under the ownership of Kristina Tuxhorn,

industry icons. Upcoming events will be held April

is celebrating their 19th season in Newtown with a

20th from 5-9pm, celebrating works by Gordon

big move that happened on March 1, 2021. BCDTA

Haas who is revered for his ethereal landscapes of

is now located at Stocking Works, 451 S State

Bucks County, and June 15th from 5-9 pm, featur-

Street, Newtown and is offering classes in Ballet,

ing custom pieces from Philadelphia contemporary

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

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

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

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW 2021 LEXUS IS

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

artist Glossblack. A portion of the proceeds from

visit www.NewtownBA.org. The event is co-spon-

any purchases will benefit New Hope Arts, a nonprofit

sored by Solutions for Transition, LLC.

dedicated to furthering the heritage of New Hope as a vital arts center. 274 S. River Road, New Hope, PA.

THE EASTER BUNNY IS COMING TO TOWN! The Easter Bunny is coming to Newtown on Saturday, April 3rd. The second annual Easter Bunny Cruise is sponsored by the Newtown Business Association and will bring the popular children's character to downtown Newtown Borough as well as some of the biggest residential communities in Newtown Township. Families can watch from the comfort and safety of their neighborhood as the Bunny travels through town in the convertible

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

"Bunny Mobile". The Bunny Cruise begins at 10am

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

and will be streamed live on the NBA Facebook

com/Newtown using the Get In Touch link and let

page. For more details and to see the cruise route,

us know what you think.

A P R I L 10 - M AY 9 2021

theSPACEbetween

JENNIFER

HANSENROLLI Silverman Gallery

BUCKS COUNTY IMPRESSIONIST ART IN BUCKINGHAM GREEN SHOPPING CENTER On Rt. 202 , just north of PA 413 4920 York Road, Holicong, PA 18928 215-794-4300 • www.silvermangallery.com Today's finest artists painting in the New Hope Tradition!

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

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Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

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Announcing the New

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The Colletti Team

Office: 215-234-7645 | 127 S. State Street Newtown, PA 18940 CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

2021 lexus rx450h

A HYBRID THAT DELIVERS LUXURY AND FUEL EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE

“LE X US ELECT R I F I ED R EF LECTS T H E PION EER I NG A N D I N NOVAT I V E ET HOS OF LE X US , T H AT H A S BEEN CR A F T I NG + MPG: 31 city / 28 highway + SEATING: 5, 6, 7 + TRANSMISSION: Continuously variable-speed automatic + HORSEPOWER: 290 to 308 hp + FEATURES: Hands-free entry, 4 one-touch power windows, heated mirrors

SE A M LE S S PER FOR M A NCE T H ROUGH ELECT R I F ICAT ION FOR OV ER 15 Y E A R S.” -BR I A N BOL A I N, GLOBA L H E A D OF BR A N D M A NAGEM EN T & GLOBA L M A R K ET I NG, LE X US I N T ER NAT IONA L .

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

LEXUS HAS BEEN THE LEADER IN ELECTRIFICATION AMONG LUXURY AUTOMAKERS SINCE LAUNCHING THE WORLD’S FIRST PREMIUM HYBRID ELECTRIC SUV IN 2005. Since then, the electrified line-up has grown and accounts for 1.9 million Lexus Electrified vehicles on the road today. The RX 450h continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the brand’s hybrid leadership, with 308 combined system horsepower for powerful performance and impressive EPA-estimated 30 combined MPG. For the 2021 model, the RX 450h added Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard across all vehicle grades. Also noteworthy is the addition of the standardization of power folding auto dim mirrors for backing up in parking lots and navigating lane changes. Haldeman Lexus of Princeton, recipient of the “Elite Of Lexus” Award for 23 consecutive years says the RX 450h continues to be one of their best selling vehicles year after year.

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN SPECIALIZING IN RENOVATION & NEW CONSTRUCTION

Contact Kate at 267.679.0146 KateLeeDesigns.com

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Contact Triumph Building Group 267-394-0284 www.Triumphbg.com | 14

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

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GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

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H O M E

OPEN HOUSE

E CO - F R I E N D LY WAYS TO R E N OVAT E YO U R H O M E IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR, LOVELIES AND GENTLEMEN, WHEN THOUGHTS PREDICTABLY TURN TO HOME RENOVATION. However, the volume of interest seems to have been turned up this year. Thanks to pandemic fatigue, from sheltering in place to curtailed out-and-about activity, our magnified time in our nests is an experience akin to trying on bikinis in fluorescent lighting…. you see every flaw and you want “out.” (So, you opt for pants.) If you are beyond ready to tackle the renovation beast and eco-friendly is also on your radar, this article is for you.

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE DONNA HOFFMAN

Ecofriendly Electronics

Energy efficient light bulbs and appliances are a must in your planning. The new environmentally friendly bulbs emit more light while using less wattage. They can reduce the amount of power used in your home, using one-third of that used by “normal”, incandescent bulbs. They may be a bit more expensive to purchase but the hope is for upfront costs to be recouped over time. (Plus, long life light bulbs do eliminate the nuisance of frequent replacement). Similar energy savings can apply to your energy efficient appliances

Solar Panels

I hear you. They’re ugly. But depending on your property, if they can be tucked onto the back of the home (if that will work with your home’s positioning), these panels can cut your electricity consumption, cutting down your costs and carbon footprint. Because its renewable and sustainable energy, power outages become less of a worry too. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

R E N O V A T E

05 03

Reduce you Footprint

Where possible, donate cabinetry, appliances and even furniture that is being replaced. You will spare the landfill and help someone in need. By all means, depending on your design style, if reclaimed wood beams, architectural salvage, and even reclaimed hardware and knobs is your design jam, go for it with gusto. The planet will thank you, and your pad will have a cool signature look not replicated everywhere on Pinterest.

Up your Insulation

Today’s best examples in insulation provide key advantages in energy efficiency. They improve your home’s heating and cooling by refining the overall performance in thermal resistance. This in turn reduces costs and preserves fuel sources. Additionally, the new insulations are naturally noncombustible and fire-resistant, requiring no additional chemical treatment to attain that state.

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

Low VOC Paints & Eco Friendly Home Furnishings & Fabric

The quick skinny here: Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints reduce off gassing issues, but there are complaints about their finishes and durability. Talk to your paint specialist here. Eco-friendly furnishings and fabrics generally come at a higher cost and in a much smaller selection. There are design firms that specialize in these so if health issues, or, a super-planetary consciousness is the driving factor, a specialist should be on your team. As an aside, during the last 10 years the home furnishings industry in total has moved to adopt practices that reduce waste and carbon footprint. Last word here: Team is everything. Find a builder and designer who share your environmental priorities, with the capabilities to support your needs, and you’ll not be just golden…you’ll be green.

Donna Hoffman

About Donna Hoffman:

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

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

bucks beautiful ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER Daffodils planted along 611 Bypass (photographer: Michael Stumpf)

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

"I love Bucks County and I h ave spent my whole life here. T he idea of helping beautify it is so rewarding. I hope our efforts inspire ot her community members t o get involved."

DRIVING THROUGH BUCKS COUNTY,

were planted this past fall in honor of health-

WE ARE SO ACCUSTOMED TO TAKING

care employees, first responders, essential

IN THE NATURAL BEAUTY AROUND US

workers and loved ones. The daffodils are

THAT IT IS EASY TO OVERLOOK THE LIT-

now in full bloom, and can be experienced

TLE HINTS OF NATURE THAT APPEAR

through a driving tour – the perfect spring

IN UNEXPECTED PLACES WHETHER

outing for those of us who have been eagerly

IT BE FLOWERS BLOOMING AT THE

awaiting the first signs of spring - especially

ENTRANCE OF A RESIDENTIAL COMMU-

as those pandemic blahs drag on!

NITY, OR NEW TREES BUDDING ALONG

Bucks Beautiful is also leading the way

THE ROADSIDE. However, as the warmth of

with reforestation efforts in the community

spring approaches, this is the perfect time

through its “tree-mendous” RePlant Bucks

of year to take a moment to appreciate the

program. The goal of the project is to replen-

careful thought and planning that goes into

ish the many trees that are lost each year

each and every new sprout and sapling we

to storm damage, insects and disease, with

encounter throughout our towns.

a goal of ultimately planting 10,000 young

Bucks Beautiful is an environmentally

trees for future generations to enjoy. So far,

focused organization that is dedicated to

with support from local landscape firms and

ensuring that the beauty of our community

donations from the public, the organization

is preserved for generations to come. Since

has installed 1,525 native trees at parks, his-

1991, the non-profit, based in Doylestown

torical sites, schools and non-profit facilities.

PA has been coordinating events, commu-

Recently, the organization’s ambitious goals

nity projects and educational programs to

caught the attention of landscape busi-

develop and enhance the public landscapes

ness owner Colin Slota of Slota’s Property

of our towns, parks, pathways and roadsides.

Maintenance in Holland. Colin heard about

One of the organization’s most successful

RePlant Bucks and immediately knew it was

programs, Bulbs for Bucks, has led to the

a cause he wanted to get behind. In partner-

beautification of a number of public spaces

ship with Bucks Beautiful, he has pledged

in Newtown, Doylestown and surrounding

to plant one tree in the Newtown area for

areas. Since the inception of the project in

every 10 trees that he sells to residential

2010, an astounding 1.6 million daffodils bulbs

and commercial customers. When asked

have been planted along roadways and busi-

about his commitment to the project, Colin

ness areas, including 20,000 new bulbs which

said, “I was intrigued by RePlant Bucks’s CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

BUCKS BEAUTIFUL (CONTINUED)

Bulbs for Bucks daffodils planted at Pennsbury Manor

efforts and it inspired me to figure out a way to support their goal. I love Bucks County and I have spent my whole life here. The idea of helping beautify it is so rewarding. I hope our efforts inspire other community members to get involved.” Colin has already arranged to donate 2 new trees this spring, slated for Linton Memorial Park in the borough, with many more planned for the future! In a typical year, spring is a busy time of year for Bucks Beautiful as the organization hosts a Lecture Series, Kitchen and Garden Tour, and an annual Spring Fling Gala and Auction. With the pandemic, many events have been modified or put on hold this season, so check their website for updates and information about future events. You will also find information about membership opportunities as well as a map of their popular Daffodil Tour! Thank you for helping to keep Bucks Beautiful!

Volunteers Jeannine Mitchell, President of the Environmental Advisory Council and Steve Dylinski, a PA Horticultural Tree Tender (photographer: Laurie To)

Bulbs for Bucks daffodils planted at Garden of Reflection (photographer: Denise Oldenhoff)

DETAILS: http://www.bucksbeautiful.org IG: @bucksbeautiful Slota’s Property Maintenance: www.slotaspropertymaintenance.com. 267-254-6747

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC RENOVATION SMALL COMMERCIAL JOELPETTY.COM

215-321-4477

BUCKS COUNTY, PA

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

LOCALLY OWNED

W h at ’ s Old is New Again

DRESS TO THE 9S

Dress to the 9s is an upscale consignment boutique located in Newtown that offers unused or gently used women’s and men’s clothing and accessories. The store, which opened in June 2020, is designed to bring exceptional style, handbags, and jewelry to shoppers, with community connection at its core. Shopping consignment and extending the life of clothing by as little as 9 months reduces carbon, waste and water footprints by approximately 20-30%. 9 N State Street, Newtown, PA. www.dresstothe9sconsign.com, IG: @dresstothe9sconsign Facebook: Dress to the 9’s Newtown

6 ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE REDUCING, REUSING AND RECYCLING!

Re-Urban-It takes antique solid wood furniture and gives it a fresh new look! High quality antique pieces of

ARTICLE CHRISTINE TOY DRAGONI AND STACY GRAEBNER

furniture made with solid wood construction are brought up-to-date with modern finishes and stylish touches. Rejuivinating these pieces is the owner’s passion and definitely on-trend. Check out their store and we guarantee, you won’t leave empty-handed. 408 Mill Street, Bristol, PA. www.re-urban-it.com, IG: @Re_Urban_It

REDUCE-REUSE-RECYCLE IS OFTEN A GOAL OF

RE-URBAN-IT

BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY, BUT BEYOND THAT, WE HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF ECOFRIENDLY ENTREPRENEURS IN OUR AREA WHO HAVE LITERALLY MADE IT THEIR BUSINESS TO BE KINDER TO THE ENVIRONMENT BY ENSURING THAT WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN! From antique shops to upcycled furniture stores, designer consignment, and thrift stores, the following local leaders offer hidden treasures, cool finds, bargains, and memorabilia. We even have personal shoppers using thrift goods to create high end wardrobes. In honor of Earth Day, Newtown Lifestyle is taking time to celebrate businesses who are making their mark without making a mark! 24

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

RABBIT HOLE VINTAGE MARKET PLACE

The Rabbit Hole Vintage Marketplace in Langhorne showcases unique items that have been completely transformed from unworthy to worthy, including

STYLE BY KI

antiques, vintage, architectural salvage, and repurposed

If you love the idea of being able to style yourself through

furniture along with garden and home décor. The store

thrift stores or consignment shop finds, but don’t have the

specializes in upcycling items for modern purposes and

time; or if the thought of scanning thrift stores is exhaust-

features a fun assortment of interesting “needle in a

ing... Style By Ki is your solution. Style by Ki, created by

haystack” items. There is something for everyone here!

founder Kieran Ricciardi, merges the high-end value of

Open Friday-Sunday. 1100 Wood Lane, Langhorne, Pa.

a personal shopper with the sustainability of thrifting.

IG: @rabbitholevintagemarketplace

Send her 3-4 inspirational outfit photos, and relax while she finds your inspired look with gently used clothing and

Second Look Thrift Shop is a hidden gem in the heart

accessories! (215) 630-4088, IG: @style.by.ki

of Newtown. It offers everything from dollar items to

boutique clothing, accessories, housewares, books, and toys. You can always find something special at incredible prices and every purchase supports services for people with vision loss. Each month, Second Look recycles an average of 6,000 pounds of textiles and 160 pounds of metal. Help our earth and our community by shopping at Second Look. 400 Freedom Drive, Newtown, PA. www.secondlookthrift.com, IG: @secondlooknewtownthrift SECOND LOOK

NEWTOWN BOOK AND RECORD EXCHANGE Newtown Book & Record Exchange has been proud to

offer thousands of previously owned books and records to the community for the last 40 years. Items that may otherwise lay dormant in an attic or basement find new life at a fraction of the price. The store gives each trade-in a bit of love so that vintage items avoid the landfill and bring joy to a new generation of readers and listeners. 102 S. State Street, Newtown, PA. IG: @newtownbookandrecordx CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

INSPIRED BY

Benefits of a

chemical-free home

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think! We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products. When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do! However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets. The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most. If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.

ARTICLE BY HAYLEY HYER

If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace. To get you started, here are three DIY products that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Scented Body Moisturizer Just like a new candle can brighten your day, a shimmery scented lotion can make you feel like a queen. The only problem is all of the artificial fragrances, alcohols, dyes, and other chemicals that your skin is absorbing from that bottle. There are some cleaner options such as unscented lotions, but that's a lot less fun. This DIY moisturizer allowed you to customize your own scent while still treating your skin the best you can. The key ingredient? Olive oil! Yes, any bottle of olive oil from your kitchen works. Pour some in a smaller bottle and add several drops of your favorite essential oils. Olive oil is super hydrating, feels great, and will make you question why you ever used lotion in the first place. Plus it's safe for your whole body. Just be mindful of the essential oils you choose. Some types—such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils—cause a cooling effect and can feel uncomfortable if it gets on your face or other sensitive areas.

DIY Counter Cleaner: Safe for Granite + Marble! You probably know that vinegar is a great natural cleaner for most surfaces. Unfortunately, it can be pretty damaging to delicate countertops made from granite or marble. Here's a DIY cleaning spray that's safe for any type of counters you have!

Ingredients + Rubbing alcohol + Dish soap

+ Essential Oils + Water

Directions In a plastic or glass spray bottle, mix one part alcohol with one part water. Add several drops of dish soap and whichever essential oils you would like to add for your desired scent. Shake it up each time you use it as the ingredients will tend to separate. Although it's natural and safe, still avoid spraying directly on your skin as the alcohol and dish soap can dry you out. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer. The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life! There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

While these three recipes give you a great start, that's definitely not all you can do to kick the chemicals out of your home. For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with like-minded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

NEWTOWN

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

2 Old Cabin Rd

$2,095,000

$1,962,500

94%

4 Grace Cir

$1,999,900

100%

122

1166 Eagle Rd

$1,790,000

$1,675,000

94%

136 Jane Chapman Dr W

$1,550,000

$1,475,000

95%

317 Matthews Ln

$1,424,000

$1,424,500

100%

20 Weatherfield Dr

$1,285,000

$1,120,000

87%

142

7 Daulton St

$1,150,000

100%

4 Bryce Ln

$1,075,000

$1,086,000

101%

407 Sawyers Ln

$984,000

100%

231 N State St

$900,000

$885,000

98%

113 E Greene St

$769,000

$770,000

100%

7 Skoures Ln

$749,000

$710,000

95%

24 Thornbury Ln

$679,900

$712,750

105%

2756 Windy Bush Rd

$555,000

$570,000

103%

109 Williams Ave

$499,900

100%

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Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

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PLAYA BOWLS PROMOTES AN ECO-FRIENDLY MISSION...ONE BOWL AT A TIME

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021

The company’s image does not stop with palm trees and surf boards, however. Playa Bowls is also very committed to promoting “green living” whenever possible. As store manager Leah Patterson says, “At Playa Bowls our mission is to lead communities in healthy and sustainable living by showing them that every little bit counts when being eco-friendly … right down to the spoons we use! We are always looking for ways to make a strong positive impact on our environment, so sustainability is often at the forefront of many of our WHETHER IT’S 22 DEGREES AND SNOWING, OR A RAINY

business decisions. The ocean provides our surf and the earth's soil

TUESDAY IN APRIL, STEP INSIDE PLAYA BOWLS AND IT’S

provides our amazing berries, so doing our best to protect the envi-

ALWAYS A WARM, SUNNY DAY AT THE BEACH. Since its opening

ronment will always be a huge part of the business and our lifestyle.”

in January of 2020, the trendy spot has taken Newtown by storm with

Owner Bronwyn Bergen adds that Playa’s commitment to green

its delicious selection of smoothies, fruit bowls and juices.

practices was one of several factors that initially attracted them

Playa Bowls is the ultimate success story. The company, started in

to the business. “Sustainability has been an important pillar of the

2014 by surfers Rob Giuliani and Abby Taylor, began as “a pair of blend-

Playa Bowls brand and it’s also super important to our family. It was

ers, a folding table and a fridge” in a makeshift acai bowl and smoothie

another sign that this brand was something we were aligned with.”

stand in Belmar, NJ. The little sidewalk stand was so popular that the

The company uses high quality plant-based and eco-friendly

couple soon expanded to a storefront, and now just seven short years

materials whenever possible. Their plastic bowls are made from

later, the company has grown to over 100 stores nationwide.

recycled water bottles, and ECO Spoons are used in all of their

The Newtown location is one of the newest additions to the

locations (fun fact: the spoons are made from corn!). In addition, the

Playa Bowl franchise, stemming from an unexpected twist of fate

materials used to build each store is sourced from 50% reclaimed

that began as most grand ideas do… over cocktails. A few years

or refurbished materials, and all lighting in their newer locations is

ago, Mike and Bronwyn Bergen were casually having drinks with

100% LED lighting technology.

their neighbor in Belmar. Turns out that neighbor was Playa Bowls

The Bergens are grateful for the warm welcome they have received

founder, Giuliani. The Bergens had been toying with the idea of open-

from the community and are equally grateful for the opportunity to

ing a small business when Giuliani posed the idea of bringing Playa

promote wholesome food and an eco-friendly mission in return. “We

Bowls to Newtown. As fitness and health food fanatics themselves,

love getting to serve our communities in healthy and sustainable

the couple decided that Playa Bowls aligned perfectly with their life-

living and hope to do so for many years to come!”

style and interests. Six months later, in January of 2020, Playa Bowls Newtown became a reality. The shop was an immediate success,

2913 S Eagle Road (Village at Newtown Shopping Center)

and in fact became so popular that loyal customers began travelling from Yardley and Fairless Hills, carrying coolers with them to transport their beloved bowls back home. The entrepreneurs soon realized there was enough demand to open a second location, and in October, Playa Bowls in Fairless Hills opened its doors. If you have yet to try one of Playa’s signature bowls, you’ve been warned….they are incredibly addictive! The store offers an impressive array of customizable options, made with one of 5 bases - acai, pitaya, coconut, banana or kale. The base is then topped with fresh fruit and additional ingredients, such as granola, nuts, seeds and even peanut butter or Nutella. Delicious bowls and smoothies are just part of the overall experience, however. The surf shack themed shops themselves are fun and inviting, with upbeat music and beachy décor, including reclaimed wood tables, bright oceanthemed murals, and colorful stools. It’s the perfect spot to relax with friends, and of course, take an Instagram worthy photo or two.

(l to r) Front row: Owners Bronwyn Bergen, Rob Giuliani, Mike Bergen; Back row: Paige Adams, Assistant Manager Shannon Perry, Manager Leah Patterson

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

“At Playa Bowls our mission is to lead communities in healthy and sustainable living by showing them that every little bit counts when being eco-friendly … right down to the spoons we use! We are always looking for ways to make a strong positive impact on our environment, so sustainability is often at the forefront of many of our business decisions.” 34

Newtown Lifestyle | April 2021