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MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

March 2023 PUBLISHER

Amanda Waterfield | amanda.waterfield@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR

Sara Anderson | sara.anderson@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

The Meaning and

Carleen Fischer Hoffman, Jordan Lemarier, Tina Lesniak, Amanda Waterfield

Meaningfulness of Home

j81 Studios LLC, Ron Lemelin Photography

“Home.” So much contained in that brief word. Home is our grounding, our base, our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home for our March issue, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the aesthetics and design, but most importantly--the sense of comfort our homes provide. We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the home-related businesses and individuals in our community, and we hope the lens we’ve provided into their lives and work brings people in this community together. As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you--in your city, neighborhood, and most of all, your home. Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home. Happy March!

CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

SARA ANDERSON, MANAGING EDITOR @WESTSPRINGFIELD_LIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ WESTSPRINGFIELD |

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Springfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Springfield area’s 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 West Springfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Agawam Pack & Ship LLC www.agawampackandship.com

Casa di Lisa

Tues-Thurs: 4 – 8 pm • Fri-Sat: 4 – 9:30 pm Sun & Mon: Closed

FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS, Copy, Mailbox Rentals, Fingerprinting, Fax, Scan, Notary Services, Shredding We sell Nebo Lights! 417 Springfield Street Agawam, MA 01001 (413) 789-1023

info@agawampackandship.com Alan Cohen, Proprietor Richard Cohen, Proprietor

Specializing in: Sewing machine sales and service Sewing and quilting classes and custom embroidery!

We carry Husqvarna Viking and Brother machines and accessories, as well as, Floriani threads and stabilizers

For Reservations Waitlist.me App or Call Us!

Phone: Hours:

(413) 301 - 9656 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm Address 2005 Riverdale St. West Springfield, MA 01089 sewingwithparsons@yahoo.com https://sewingwithparsons.com/

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

MARCH 2023

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

12 Spring Clutter Cleaning Made Easier Quickly and easily reduce your clutter

16 Twin Meadow Home: Your New Home Furnishings Destination

Personalized shopping service and quality products at the new East Longmeadow storefront and showroom

20 Skip’s Outdoor Accents Upholds Long Tradition of Excellence

12 D E PA RTM E NTS

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

How To HO ME S ERV I C ES

Decor Trends HO ME + DES I GN

Outdoor Living HO ME + DESIG N

Home Update HO ME S ERV I C E S

Expert Help R EA L ESTAT E

Events

A true family business serving the community for over 30 years

24 Next-Level Kitchen and Bath Design with Curio Kitchens & Baths

Providing expert design skills and execution for amazing bath and kitchen renovations, on your budget

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Ron Lemelin Photography A stunning bathroom renovation and styling by Alexandra and Joseph Tremblay of Twin Meadow Home and Tremblay Maison.

Always at Your Service...For Over 40 Years!

We are a full service HVAC contractor providing repair, maintenance, and installation for all types of heating and air conditioning systems. We have been servicing Hampden and Hampshire counties since 1971. We look forward to exceeding your expectations!

Trust Us, Your Neighbor Just Did! 413-239-5550 • 8 Capital Dr., West Springfield, MA 01089 License# 4162 License# 16691

THE SOFT WASH PROS SERVING WESTERN MA & NORTHERN CT

• Soft Wash House Wash & Touchless Roof Wash • The Absolute Best in Residential & Commercial Soft Washing Services

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Stay at home... we can help. IN HOME CARE SERVICES

• Family Owned & Operated

• Transportation • Bathing • Hospice Care • Dressing • Nursing Assessments • Medication Reminders • Meal Prep • Housekeeping • Ambulation BONDED AND INSURED

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(413) 733-5588 | CARING-SOLUTIONS.COM 131 Elm Street West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089

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MARCH 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Pilates Studio in Agawam Offers Exercise and More The Pilates Studio at 353 Walnut Street Extension in Feeding Hills offers private and semi-private Pilates apparatus sessions and incorporates training from a multitude of techniques including MELT, weight training, and TRX. Owner Shelly G. Pirroni is certified in Pilates, MELT Method, Gyrokinesis, and TRX suspension training. She has also extensively studied CHI Walking and CHI Running, Thai Massage, and meditation and is committed to sharing her knowledge with all those who enter her studio. Photography by The Pilates Studio

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Get Fired Up at A Ceramic Studio in Agawam Looking for a fun way to celebrate a birthday, get together for a ladies night, or entertain the kids for an afternoon? A Ceramic Studio can get your creativity flowing while having a great time. They offer a range of pieces, from animals and action figures to holiday decor and serving pieces. Decorate to your taste and style. Pricing includes glazing and firing. Located at 7 South Bridge Drive, just off the circle in Agawam. Photography by A Ceramics Studio

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New Restaurant Caffeine's Midtown in West Springfield Now Open Owner Amir Batif recently opened Caffeine's Midtown at 240 Westfield Street, West Springfield. For lunch, the restaurant serves homemade soups, sandwich offerings including grilled portabella on housemade rosemary focaccia, a cheddar jalapeno burger, avocado BLT, cranberry chutney turkey wrap, and chicken quesadilla; salads including roasted pear, fig, and spinach, and Caesar with homemade sourdough croutons; and pizzas including BBQ chicken and smoked ham and mozzarella. Open for lunch and dinner, Caffeine's also serves weekend brunch. Photography by Sara Anderson

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Nouveau Aesthetics Offers Concierge Medical Aesthetics Services

Caruso Painting’s Unique West Springfield House Featured on Home Tour

Misty City Windows of Holyoke Accepting New Clients, Helping Veterans

Jean Brodowski, owner of Feeding Hill's new business Nouveau Aesthetics, has over 35 years of nursing experience. Nouveau Aesthetic's highly trained team specializes in in-home, affordable medical aesthetics services. Jean’s services include Xeomin injections for facial wrinkles; Ultherapy lifting for neck, chin, and brows; high-intensity focused ultrasound for body fat, B-12 vitamin injections, and lipotropic injection to increase metabolism, weight loss, energy, and healthy hair growth. Call 413.789.1636 or email jean. nouveau.aesthetics@gmail.com.

Owners Christian and Jessica Caruso's mid-century modern West Springfield home was recently featured in the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club Holiday Tour of Homes fundraiser. The couple, who opened Caruso Painting in mid-2021, has a background in visual design and work closely with clients' personal inspiration when choosing a color palette to transform their home through painting. In 2023, Caruso Painting is currently accepting both large- and small-scale painting projects.

Misty City Windows has over 12 years of experience providing both residential and commercial window-washing, skylight, gutter, solar panel, and roof cleaning, and pressure and soft-wash exterior cleaning services. Owner Nick Swindell is accepting new clients for the 2023 season, as well as nominations until March 23rd from veterans or their families for their Thank a Vet Campaign, giving free membership and services to a veteran. Misty City Windows can be reached at 413.575.2956. Photography by Misty City Windows

Photography by Caruso Painting

Photography by Nouveau Aesthetics

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Want to be featured?

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

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50%OFF Lucky, and in

LOVE

\\ (413) 536-7353 //

Located at the Holyoke Mall (lower level)

Brittany Means Business WORKING WITH HOMEBUYERS, SELLERS, AND INVESTORS

CARUSO PAINTING RESIDENTIAL PAINTING SERVICES

A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER SINCE 2015

BRITTANY THEROUX 413.244.9003 • West Springfield, MA

413-335-7323 West Springfield, MA brittanytheroux.lockandkeyma.com

carusopainting@yahoo.com

Protect your Love

Todd Bajor

Licensed Agent New York Life Insurance Company tnbajor@ft.newyorklife.com

413-885-6864

Common Capital offers small business loans of any size up to $300,000 in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties.

Colorful Resilience “They were so good with communication, they were very clear with their expectations, they were extremely reasonable with the things they were asking of me and it was actually a very seamless, very positive experience.”

Epiphany Glam Studio “I love the fact that they have a lot of resources and that you are not left alone. You’re not out there just trying to figure it out by yourself, they have someone to help you in any category that you need help in.”

Owner Mayrena Guerrero

Owner Larshell Curley

We Finance Opportunity for Small Businesses and Seek the Path to “Yes” When Other Lenders Say “No.” Common Capital, Inc. 1780 Main Street | Springfield, MA 01103 413-233-1680 info@commoncapitalma.org

Common Capital is a nonprofit community loan fund that responsibly lends money to small businesses that are unable to access all the capital they need from other lenders. Please visit www.CommonCapitalMA.org to learn more.

CommonCapitalMA.org

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SPRING CLUTTER CLEANING MADE EASIER Quickly and easily reduce your clutter and enjoy your space In springtime, the words “fresh,” “clean,” and “clear” come to mind. Maybe you’re thinking about getting organized but, like many people, feel overwhelmed with no idea how to start. Here are a few tips from my business, The Clutter Doctor, Inc., to help you get started so that when the warmer weather arrives, you can be outside having fun.

First, identify areas in your home that are “hot spots”—areas that tend to get cluttered quickly. Now decide which area deserves your immediate attention. For example, perhaps the spare bedroom needs organizing first because company is coming. Second, break the project into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of spending an entire day on the project, dedicate an hour or two at a time. This prevents you from getting overwhelmed and makes it easier to find the time to do the work. Third, sort items into categories: Keep, move to another room, donate, and trash. Ask yourself: When was the last time I used this? Will I ever use this? Does it still work? If you’re afraid of letting go of something, ask yourself why. Maybe the item evokes a special memory, or someone special gave it to you.

Carleen Fischer Hoffman, owner of The Clutter Doctor, Inc.

"Even useful or beautiful things become clutter when you have too many of them. Only keep items you love and enjoy seeing or using, not because you feel an obligation to keep them."

ARTICLE BY CARLEEN FISCHER HOFFMAN

H OW TO | HOM E SERVICES

Be aware of the connections you have with your belongings and why you keep them or let them go. Even useful or beautiful things become clutter when you have too many of them. By the way, if you think you might need it someday, you would have already been using it. Only keep items you love and enjoy seeing or using, not because you feel obligated to keep them. Keep in mind that most items in your home can be donated to family, friends, or charity rather than being tossed into a landfill. Always clean as you go, and donate items as soon as they are ready to be parted with. Lastly, decide how to store the remaining items and only then, purchase bins to accommodate those items. My best advice is to not fall in love with a bin simply because it’s pretty or trendy. The bin needs to work for the items it’s storing and fit in the area set aside for the items. I hope these tips are easy to follow and let you easily reduce the clutter so you can enjoy a fresh, clean, clear space! Carleen’s website is clutterdoctor. com. She helps organize homes and offices and offers rightsizing and moving services, as well as remote coaching, workshops, and clutter support groups. Based in East Longmeadow and serving western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, she can be reached for a free consultation at 413.525.7345 and carleen@clutterdoctor.com.

Storage products can be attractive but first and foremost, they must be functional for your items and space

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Mobile Grooming Services for Dogs & Cats!

Fully self-contained salon on wheels. The perfect option for pets who may be easily excited, have health issues, or are very young or old. Reduces stress for you and your pet.

No drop-off or pickup transportation for you.

Our van is sanitized after each grooming.

A calm, quiet setting with no other pets around.

Call (413) 636-2237 or (860) 888-2507 DiamondsInTheScruff.com

Real Estate, Probate, and Estate Planning. The all-female law firm that focuses on communication and meticulously guiding our clients through the legal process while maintaining relationships beyond the closing table. We pride ourselves on creating a special bond with our clients and providing the highest levels of customer service.

Attorney Katherine Garvey

(413) 327-7033 www.attorneygarveylaw.com 11 Herbert P Almgren Dr Agawam, Massachusetts 01001

TABLES | BEDDING | CASEGOODS | FLORAL | CHAIRS

Twin Meadow Home

IN EAST LONGMEADOW, MA

@TWINMEADOWHOME

45A BALDWIN ST. | TWINMEADOWHOME.COM ||TWINMEADOWHOME.COM 413-419-9062

Now Open!

Granny’s PLACE

Your local spot for vegetables, plants, homemade ice cream, and more! We’ve got homemade apple butter and applesauce, and don’t miss out on our pies. WE’RE ACCEPTING 2023 CSA SIGNUPS NOW! ’T DON AND FRESH S MIS IDER E LE C APP S ON TH T U ! DON EEKEND W

(413) 786-9366 GrannysPlaceFarm.com 844 Main Street Agawam, Massachusetts

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Twin Meadow Home:

EXPERIENCE PERSONALIZED

Your New Home

Q U A L I T Y P R O D U C T S AT T H E

Furnishings Destination

SHOPPING SERVICE AND NE W E A S T LONGME A DOW S TO R E F R O N T A N D SHOWROOM

ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK

The Twin Meadow Home showroom Photo by j81 Studios LLC A recent bathroom remodel by Alexandra and Joseph Tremblay Photo by Ron Lemelin Photography

Photo by j81 Studios LLC

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

The husband-wife team of Joseph and Alexandra Tremblay pride themselves on offering their customers a personalized home design and furnishings experience. At their new East Longmeadow showroom and storefront, Twin Meadow Home, they bring a combined, extensive range of experience, providing customers precisely the service they require. “We prioritize customers' needs and recommend designs and layouts that work best for them,” says Alexandra. “We offer the whole range of services, from guidance on a project to taking advantage of our full design services, where we take care of everything for them.” Twin Meadow Home has nine employees, with backgrounds in interior design and architecture, allowing the business to offer services from decorating to renovation. “We knew if we could have in-house planning and construction, we could make it a better experience for the customer,” says Joseph. Services can be done as package deals, or a la carte with customers choosing their preferences. Twin Meadow Home also offers a white-glove delivery experience, with Twin Meadow delivering and setting up furniture in their customers’ homes. The crux of the duo’s business model is customer service: making sure that each customer’s needs are met and forming a relationship with clients in order to best serve them. “We work to understand the customer—how they live, how they use a space in their home— as well as the aesthetics they envision,” explains Alexandra. “This helps us to plan properly and match the design to customers’ vision and lifestyle.”

The East Longmeadow store offers a stunning display of furniture and home decor products, with an 11,000-square-foot showroom. Visitors can see and feel an eclectic collection of American-made pieces from transitional to modern styles and in a range of price points. The showroom features two hanging rug racks with rugs to suit every lifestyle—from those made of performance materials for busy homes, to those made of upscale materials for that special look. Textiles including bedding, pillows, and throws, as well as upholstery and custom window treatments are showcased at the store. The store also boasts a large collection of interior and exterior lighting, artwork, preserved and faux botanicals for arrangements, pots, vases, urns, baskets, and much more to complete a room’s look. “There is something that can fit everyone’s design style,” explains Alexandra. “Our strength is defining what your best taste and style are even if you can’t define that yourself.” While much of the inventory is ready to be taken home at the time of purchase, customers can also place custom orders. Alexandra and Joseph visit the High Point Market in North Carolina annually, where they custom curate what pieces they will bring back to their store. High Point Market is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world. While Joseph’s focus is more on the business side of things, Alexandra works more on the design side. She has a degree from the New York School of Interior Design, an elite degree for those in the design world. She worked for a number of years in Great Barrington before building her own clientele. Since many of those clients lived in the Longmeadow area, Joseph and Alexandra decided to open their first store, Tremblay Maison, which offers more specialized design and renovation services, at 153 Longmeadow Street in Longmeadow in 2015. With the need for additional space for the products they offered, they opened their second location, Twin Meadow Home, at 45 Baldwin Street, Suite A. in East Longmeadow.

A kitchen remodel by Alexandra and Joseph Tremblay Photo by Ron Lemelin Photography

Photo by j81 Studios LLC Photo by j81 Studios LLC

“We work to understand the customer—how they use a space in their home, as well as the aesthetics they envision.”

Although some brick-and-mortar stores seem to be waning, the future appears bright for Twin Meadow Home. “We encourage people to come in and get ideas,” says Joseph. To learn more, visit twinmeadowhome.com, stop by the store Wednesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or call 413.419.9062. CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

The Twin Meadow Home team, with Alexandra and Joseph Tremblay (seated, on right) Photo by j81 Studios LLC

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Greenstuff 1-800-LAWNCARE

Your local, family-owned lawncare company offering personalized lawncare programs since 1991

Services include: • Lawncare Programs • Tree & Shrub Programs • Core Aeration & Overseeding • Tick & Mosquito Control

Call today! 800-Lawncare greenstufflawns.com | 211 Union Street West Springfield, Massachusetts | 413-739-5500

Termite Inspections for Real Estate Over 20 Years’ Experience

T H E C R A F TSM E N W H O CA R E SPECIALIZING IN: • ADDITIONS • KITCHENS • BASEMENTS • GARAGES

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Personalized Pest Control for Home and Business

We keep the outdoors, outdoors! 413 221 3065 huntertermiteandpest.com MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

March is an ideal time to start planning for your outdoor spaces

A true family business serving the community for over 30 years

O UT D OOR LIV IN G | HOME + DE S I GN

SKIP’S OUTDOOR ACCENTS UPHOLDS LONG TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK

With 31 years in business, Skip’s Outdoor Accents continues to build its family business and its family of customers. “It’s a process to recognize what the customers’ needs are and to meet or exceed their expectations,” says Scott Ansart, who owns the business along with his brother, John. “We strive to make our customers happy.” The Skip's Agawam location features a 10,000-square-foot building plus six acres of buildings for customers to shop. With a wide range of products from its traditional sheds and gazebos to playscapes, outdoor furniture, and even pavilions and large garages, Skip’s Outdoor Accents has everything its customers need. From pool houses to horse stables, outdoor man caves and shesheds—usages for Skip's product line are varied. “Our product line has increased immensely,” says Scott. “We pride ourselves on selling high quality to

the consumer. Our products stand up to the New England weather and the test of time.” Skip’s Outdoor Accents offers high-quality outdoor furniture and buildings, as well as handcrafted indoor furniture. They have a large selection of pieces to choose from that can be customized to whatever the customer needs, whether it be a particular style, different types of doors, or the specified size of a shed. Choosing an outdoor piece can be a challenging task for customers, especially when it needs to stand up to changing New England weather. Scott recommends coming into the store to get the best recommendations. “We seek information from the customer to best meet their goals and needs,” says Scott. Skip’s Outdoor Accents is a true family business. Scott joined the business soon after Skip and John started it. Although Skip has passed away, his two sons have kept the family feel of the business, including CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

having both their wives and their mother working there. The company also employs very experienced, long-term staff who are knowledgeable about all the products. This family feeling extends to their customers. “It’s a very friendly atmosphere in the stores and we have plenty of return customers who have become friends,” says Scott. “We want them to feel like we’re there to assist them during the sale, but also after.” The family feeling between the business and the community is bolstered by the company’s significant community involvement. The company donated the gazebo on the town green in West Springfield and two sheds to the West Springfield Fire Department. “We do a lot in the community through fundraising and donating,” explains Scott. “Our customers have supported us for the many years we’ve been in business, so we want to support them. It’s cool to drive around and see our products out there, standing the test of time.” The business opened in 1991 on Riverdale Street in West Springfield before moving in 2004 to its current Agawam facility at 1265 Suffield Street. Skip’s Outdoor Accents also has a location in Sutton. For more information, visit their website at skipsonline.com or call 413.786.0990. The Agawam store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter.

O UT D OOR LIV IN G | HOME + DE S I GN

Owners John Ansart (left) and Scott Ansart (right)

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Next-Level Kitchen and Bath Design with Curio Kitchens & Baths Providing expert design skills and execution for amazing bath and kitchen renovations, on your budget

ARTICLE BY JORDAN LEMARIER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CURIO KITCHENS & BATHS

Homeownership can feel daunting, and making a house a home through renovation is an integral step in that process. The kitchen and primary bathroom are the two most frequented rooms in the average home, and Curio Kitchens & Baths of Springfield is the company a homeowner needs on their side. Curio Kitchens & Baths, founded in 1974, has been in business for almost 50 years, leading the way in designing kitchens and bathrooms throughout Southern New England. Owners Curio and Frank Nataloni take the time to know what each client wants and how to best execute their dream. Entire careers at Curio Kitchens & Baths have been centered around providing the best service through intricate design, high-quality products, experienced teams, and, most importantly, client satisfaction. Curio Nataloni is a two-time winner of the International Maytag and Wilson-Art CKD competition, making the front cover

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E SE RVI CE S

of House Beautiful magazine, and is an active member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the Home Builders Association (HBA). Like Curio, Frank Nataloni has long been involved in many industry-related professional organizations, and has served as an adjunct professor of kitchen design at Bay Path College. Frank’s most esteemed designation lies in his exclusivity as the only person in Western Massachusetts that holds both the Certified Kitchen Designer and Certified Bath Designer designations from the NKBA. Frank is also the former board chair of the non-profit Revitalize CDC, which helped seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities stay in their homes by way of accommodating renovations. The Curio Kitchens & Baths team excels in experience, design, and execution of beautiful kitchens and baths.

A galley kitchen can provide plenty of useful space and storage

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Dark cabinets create an elegant ambiance

“We create works of art that work. We pride ourselves on making something unique and special for our clients. If it isn’t a Curio, it’s just a kitchen.” - Frank Nataloni, Curio Kitchens & Baths co-owner Designing the kitchen or bath of a homeowner’s dream involves many working parts to collectively come together. In preparation to remodel a kitchen or bath, clients can expect to meet with the Curio team several times, through in-home measurements, sketching their dream remodel, choosing materials, and drawing up the contract with the client’s budget in mind. The top-rated designers at Curio Kitchens & Baths lay out the client's vision, and, using affordable products, provide a high-end look. The fun ensues when the proposed design is viewed on one of the only virtual-reality design programs for home remodeling in Massachusetts. After putting on the Oculus headset, the homeowner is immediately transported into their future kitchen or bathroom—an experience so realistic, users will reach out to touch counters and fixtures, and even push the buttons on the dishwasher. When a project begins, the process by Curio Kitchens & Baths keeps the homeowner in the loop, with products ordered well in advance, setting the stage for a smooth experience from start to finish and leaving little room for surprises. A simple but vital concept is the checklist, which allows the working team of designers and carpenters (some on the job for almost 30 years), as well as the homeowners, to include details on the most important parts of the remodel. The checklist is consulted several times before completion of the project to ensure thoroughness. It’s not just about the end result, but the process as well. Curio Kitchens & Baths sets the expectations high for every project the firm takes on, regardless of budget. “We create works of art that work. We pride ourselves on making something unique and special for our clients, and we want to make sure it works properly,” says Frank. “If it isn’t a Curio, it’s just a kitchen.” The Curio Kitchens & Baths team is ready for your kitchen or bath remodel. Find more inspiration and view the 25 five-star reviews at Houzz.com, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Visit the Curio Kitchens & Baths website at kitchensbycurio.com or call 413.783.0913.

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E SE RVI CE S

Cabinets in bold colors are increasingly popular

NEW HEADSHOT? MAKE IT YOUR BEST YET

Reserve your session with the top headshot specialist in western New England.

Providing short-term rehab, long-term care and respite care needs of patients and their families—always with attention, understanding, compassion and respect. Chestnut Hill is a tranquil environment for our patient-centered approach to care, promoting healing, recovery, and comfort.

413-525-1893 32 Chestnut St. East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028

B E S T- H E A D S H O T. C O M

bearmountainhc.com/locations/ chestnut-hill-of-east-longmeadow

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

IF YOU’RE READY TO LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS AND EXPLORE WHETHER SOLAR CAN WORK FOR YOU, CALL ME TODAY.

GENERATE YOUR OWN SOLAR ENERGY Become less reliant on the utilities.

413.642.1008 PAYDEN YATES,

Meet Your New Best Friends

your neighborhood energy advisor.

GoSunRun.Com PAYDEN.YATES@SUNRUN.COM

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS’ ONLY MULTI-SPORT TRAINING FACILITY

30,000 SQUARE FEET, INCLUDING 2 ICE RINKS, GOLF SIMULATORS, BATTING CAGES, TURF FIELD, BOXED FIELD

OFFERINGS:

Training in all sports / Clinics year round Small group / individualized training Affiliated with Greater Springfield Aces Home of the Patriots baseball program / Birthday parties

CLASSES ARE $5 EACH DROP IN, OR 10 CLASSES FOR $50 mcutrainingcenter.com | 413-301-6040 | 153 Springfield Street, Agawam MA 01001

Find us on B @Meraki Boutique or V @ merakiboutique.ma MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

Brittany Means Business Lock and Key Realty’s Agent Extraordinaire ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD West Springfield Realtor Brittany Theroux has been in sales since her days pitching Girl Scout Cookies. She’s been with Lock and Key Realty since 2019. We spoke with her about today’s real estate market.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE TODAY’S MARKET? Fast changing. It’s leveling out and getting easier for buyers to find properties, but the rates are higher. With mortgage rates stabilizing over last year’s rate hikes, there is more negotiation, and less waiving of inspections. It’s becoming a more fair market for both buyers and sellers right now.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT SELLING? First, declutter and stay light and bright. Think about what made you fall in love with your house and show off the most important features. Excellent marketing helps! Everybody’s plan should be different, depending on their goals. Communicate with a realtor who knows what you want. Don’t be so firm in what you want that you get locked into a situation that doesn’t work for you.

WHAT SHOULD BUYERS KNOW THAT THEY MIGHT NOT THINK OF? Speak with multiple lenders who have different products and requirements, including a broker at a bigger bank. Everything depends on the individual’s situation. For first-time buyers, it can be an FHA product. If you can get a gift from a family member, it can make a big difference. Do a formal credit check and save your down payment and extra expenditure funds. Don't get overwhelmed—focus on properties in locations you WANT to live in, in neighborhoods that will appreciate. There are still good deals to be found! Work with professionals and trust the process.

IS REAL ESTATE STILL A SOLID INVESTMENT? Yes. It always appreciates if you hold it long enough. Ninety percent of millionaires become millionaires through real estate. I work with a lot of multi-unit buyers and sellers. We’re seeing more investors as the foreclosure market opens up post-pandemic.

EXP E RT H E LP | R EAL ESTATE

Brittany Theroux What do you love about your job? I love helping people and learning things, along with design and architecture. Also, flexibility—sometimes I bring my four-year-old along.

Where do you see your future going in this industry? I’m getting my broker’s license. I want to get my Florida license and buy property down there for when I retire. Preferably on a golf course! My whole family loves the beach and warmth—having a family vacation spot down there would be great. My goal is to achieve the client’s goals. I like to make it fun. When a client’s had a bad real estate experience, I can turn around their impression. It’s more of a customer service field than sales. You have to empower and guide your clients to make the best choices for themselves.

"I love the camaraderie within the industry, the support within my brokerage, and the feeling of improving the community I love." — Brittany Theroux

Easter Specials

CHOCOLATE EGGS

Our gourmet eggs are made with either Belgium milk chocolate or white chocolate and are filled with an assortment of candy. *Designs will vary. SMALL EGG - $38 | MEDIUM EGG - $45 | GIANT EGG 10 LBS - $175

CHOCOLATE EGG CARTON

A traditional Italian rice pie consisting of lightly sweetened rice custard, enriched with ricotta and egg yolks. It is indeed light in texture and sweetness, and makes for a great dessert. 8” - $30 | 10” - $35

RUSTICA PIE

Half a dozen hollow chocolate eggs packaged in an egg carton. $18

Rustica pie is a savory Italian meat pie (similar to quiche) consisting of Italian deli meats and cheeses like prosciutto, pepperoni, soppressata, mozzarella, and Romano. 10” - $40

ITALIAN EGG BREAD

Italian Egg Bread is a sweet bread that is braided with colored eggs baked in the dough. It is very festive and makes for a beautiful Easter dessert and delicious pastry to share or keep all to yourself! 1 EGG - $6 | 2 EGGS - $10 | 3 EGGS - $14 | 4 EGGS - $20

RICOTTA PIE

RICE PIE

WHEAT PIE

Traditional Italian wheat pie has a sweet filling consisting of wheat berry and ricotta. It has subtle notes of cinnamon, lemon zest, citrus, and vanilla, making it a perfectly refreshing Springtime dessert. 8” - $30 | 10” - $35

This traditional Italian pie has a sweet ricotta filling with hints of citrus and vanilla. 8” - $30 | 10” - $35

Store Hours

9-5 MON-SAT | SUN 9-1

255 Elm Street West Springfield Call (413) 781-1139 or go to CERRATOS.COM

THE AREA’S ONLY

CERTIFIED KITCHEN AND CERTIFIED BATH DESIGNERS

IF IT’S NOT A CURIO,

IT’S JUST A KITCHEN 413.783.0913

1045 Boston Road, Springfield MA

www.kitchensbycurio.com

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

DANCE WI T H P ASSI ON!

Dance Dynamics

taplinyardpumpandpower.com

Service on all equipment - even if you didn’t buy it from us

Commitment That Counts Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Point, Acro, Tap, Kinderdance, Tiny Tumblers, Adult Tap, Adult HipHop, and so much more

Enrolling Now! NE W L OCAT I ON : 3 8 6 Ch i c o pe e St r e e t Ch i c o pe e , MA 4 1 3 - 3 1 3 - 2 3 07

JANNA MCLAUGHLIN GUIDING YOU WITH EXPERIENCE

CONTACT ME FOR ALL YOUR MORTGAGE NEEDS. SPECIALIZING IN FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS. 117 Park Ave., #301, West Springfield MA 01089

jannamclaughlin.com | 413-330-8608 Loan Officer – NMLS #1796918 Licensed in MA, CT

Northpoint Mortgage, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 1515. *TERMS & CONDITIONS: Loan program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to underwriting approval. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

Pick up | Delivery

413.781.4352 taplinyardpumpandpower.com 197 Main Street Agawam, Massachusetts 01001

The region’s best selection of Mitsubishi vehicles.

10 YEAR, 100,000 MILE WARRANTY

526 Riverdale Street West Springfield, MA

(413) 781-9047 berteramitsubishi.com

T H E L AW O F F I C E O F

RONDA G. PARISH, PC

Trust s a nd E st ate Pla nning | Elder L aw | Pro b ate Gu a rd ia nsh ip s a nd C o nser vato r ship s | Busine s s L aw Ta x ation | R e sident ia l a nd C o m m erc ia l R ea l E st ate Qu ali f ie d R e t irem ent Pla ns a nd I R A s

Recognized for over 30 years in Best Lawyers in America

413-301-0850

1350 MAIN STREET, SUITE 1003 SPRINGFIELD MA 01103

ronda.parish@rgparishlaw.com MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

MARCH 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. MA RC H 4 T H

Old Deerfield Spring Craft Fair

E ASTERN STATES EXPOS ITION, 1 30 5 ME MO R I A L AV E NUE , WE ST S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 7 : 00 P M From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, browse the creations of 120 artisans, partake in delectable specialty food, enjoy live music, and create at the free family craft table. The fair benefits the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of crafts and history of the Deerfield area. Visit deerfield-craft.org or call 413.774.7476. M A RC H 1 1 T H

Storrowton Village Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast

STORROW TON VILLAG E, 1305 ME MO R I A L AV E NUE , WE ST S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 1 0 :0 0 A M From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Storrowton Village Museum celebrates all things maple. Enjoy pancakes with pure New England maple syrup, learn how “liquid gold” is made, and watch 19th century open-hearth cooking demonstrations of maple recipes. Docent-led tours and craft demos also available in the Gilbert Farmhouse. All proceeds donated to Storrowton’s educational programs. Call 413.205.5051 or storrowtonvillage.com/p/events/maple-harvest-day. M A RC H 2 3 RD

Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero

MAS S MUTUAL CEN TER , 1277 M A I N ST R E E T, S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 7 :0 0 P M Matinees and evenings, March 23 to 26, experience an adventure filled with tales of heroism from your favorite Disney stories. Join Moana and Maui, Anna and Elsa, the Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, and Belle and the Beast. Discover that courage, determination and heart are part of the hero in you! Call 413.787.6600 or visit massmutualcenter.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-2023. Costumes are allowed for guests under 14.

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO BUILD EQUITY IN REAL ESTATE? CALL ME TO DISCUSS YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!

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TRUST & INTEGRITY IS #1 Full-service auto detailing shop specializing in all types of vehicles – big or small.

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SETTING THE STANDARD FOR CUSTOM FABRICATION IN STONE SINCE 1990 L O C A L | FA M I L Y | Q U A L I T Y | S E R V I C E

It is never too early to think SPRING!

C A L L T O M A K E A N A PPOI N T M E N T T ODAY

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1265 Suﬃeld St., Agawam, MA

www.skipsonline.com

(413)786-0990

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

FULL-SERVICE HOME IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • FLOORING • CLEANING • MAINTENANCE

Home improvement has been my passion for as long as I can remember. After years of training and running a plumbing business, we launched HG Home Improvement in 2020. We’ve been working harder than ever, supporting multiple property management companies with the goal of serving more commercial properties and residential homes. - Eric Galarza and Sasha Rodriguez, Owners of HG Home Improvement 413.977.3154 | HGHOMEIMPROVEMENT.COM | b FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: HG HOME IMPROVEMENT INC.