”… even had a medical doctor on staff to answer my questions …”
I am proud to present to all of you our first invest ment-themed Issue. Most of you don’t know that I started my professional career in investments. I started at First Union/Wachovia after getting my initial licenses to sell mutual funds and annuities. A couple of years later I moved on to Paine Webber where I earned my series 7 license. It was a lot of studying and hard work to get to where I was but the problem is that I’m a dreamer, an idea guy. That life of risk analysis wasn’t for me.
In honor of the brokerage dreams of my professional youth, I decided to bring you absolutely NO stories on traditional investing. You’re welcome.
Instead, we spread the idea of investing across multiple avenues. We really don’t have any bed & breakfasts in our communities so we spoke with Loretta Breedveld, the owner of Warwick Valley Bed and Breakfast about what it takes to own one. I am hoping one of you will start one here. I will gladly be your first guest.
If you have kids, and they are any bit like my son, PJ, then you have seen the multitude of hours/days they have spent playing Fortnite. Well, we found the perfect place for them (and you)- Tac Ops Tactical Laser Tag, in Fairfield. At Tac Ops. they get to use the skills they’ve honed from all the time they’ve invested in the game (and all the money you’ve invested in buying them V-Bucks) to strategize and win their own real-life Victory Royale at the absolute coolest laser tag you will ever see. It is set up as an urban battle zone; complete with blown-out office buildings, barber shops, jeeps, tanks, and much more. We shared some photos from PJ’s birthday party that can’t even begin to tell the whole story so we also wrote all about it.
I hope you like this issue. We had fun exploring investments for you. Speaking of investing, make sure you invest in yourself as well. You’re worth it.
See you soon!
| don.seaman@citylifestyle.com
Don
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1: The Ragazzi Italian social club feasted at Made in Italy in Totowa on February 15. 2: Great food was shared, accompanied by laughter and plenty of personal and business conversations. 3: The North Jersey Chamber Of Commerce held The Quarterly New Member Mixer. 4: Nearly 60 New Members came together to learn the benefits that come with membership. 5: The Riverview Garden Club met at the Wayne Library and discussed Garden Feng Shui. 6: Paul Bastante gave his famously fun Oreo cookie presentation at the Bristal in Wayne. 7: Residents not only enjoyed Paul's conversation but also some fresh Oreos.“Getting up off your couch and getting your whole body, mind, and spirit engaged is an exciting entertainment investment.
In a world that seems to become more and more digital by the day, it may feel impossible to take a step back from all of the virtual distractions and find a unique source of entertainment locally, especially in the winter. Aside from the occasional trip to the arcade or movie theater, it’s often more tempting to stay in and default to playing video games or scrolling on TikTok. Thankfully for Northern New Jersey residents, there’s a one of a kind experience just around the corner that’s well worth checking out instead.
Tac Ops, a mission-based tactical laser tag center, transforms the old way of laser tag into a strategically immersive experience. It’s the perfect activity for people of all ages looking to team-build or experience a new adventure outside of their own living room.
Tac Ops has two locations, Florham Park and Fairfield, and is owned and operated by Florham Park resident Armando DiRienzo. DiRienzo opened the Fairfield location in March of 2020, but had to shut it down just two weeks later due to the pandemic. Despite the original challenge, things turned around quickly when they reopened about six months later. The demand was so intense that a new location was opened just two years later due to the business’ growing popularity. Currently, each location hosts over 10,000 visitors a year with a third location in Princeton currently under construction.
Besides the immersive nature of Tac Ops, DiRienzo thinks there’s one other aspect that makes his business so successful - the staff. “People rave about our staff. We think that they represent Tac Ops more than the actual facility.”
DiRienzo, who is also a financial advisor, was originally inspired to create Tac Ops after thinking
about bringing the thrill and strategy behind some of his favorite video games like Call of Duty and Fortnite to life.
“Our goal is to make our arenas very immersive,” DiRienzo explains. “In our Fairfield location, we have a bar and a barbershop (editor’s note: they’re sets). The barbershop smells like aftershave and the bar smells like stale beer just to bring everything to life more.”
Every game has the potential to be completely different from the last. “Just like in video games, every map is different at Tac Ops. We can customize our games because we have hundreds of options. There’s even weapon upgrades,” DiRienzo adds.
There are several different missions to choose from including capture the flag and an elimination mission. As players navigate through the dimly-lit arena, they have to take cover behind things like full size dumpsters to avoid run-ins with other players and constantly strategize their next move. Each role-play type game typically lasts one hour and gives players the opportunity to experience realistic situations as well as combat simulations.
“If you’re a big time gamer, this is never going to be the exact type of thing - but at least you’re getting off of the couch and getting a little active,” DiRienzo explains. “I’ve seen countless people work up a sweat by the end of the game.”
Tac Ops gives both children and adults the chance to get out of the house, get a group of friends together, and invest the passion they have for playing video games at home into a brand new experience.
Tac Ops is located at 373 Route 46 West in Fairfield. Give them a call at 973-532-5688
Jeeps, tanks, gyms, barbershops, offices and much more offer cover and help immerse you into the game
This state-of-the-art facility is so realistic that law enforcement agencies often use it for training purposes.
Now is the perfect time to say goodbye to daily hassles and hello to whatever makes you shine at Brightview.
Come meet our team and learn more about how our resort-like amenities, services, and
bright,
mind for families.
Our area has a hole in its game.
There’s shopping galore. Plenty of entertainment choices to keep you active, and enough great local coffee shops to keep you going. There’s fine dining, casual dining, and about a million great pizza places.
Yet there’s one thing that keeps it from being a true destination spot.
There are no B&Bs here. Zero. Sure, there are hotels, but there’s nothing that caters to people looking for local charm.
For someone looking to make an investment in a lifestyle change, this presents an opportunity to bring something new to the community.
Granted, it’s not usually a quick decision, but it’s something that can be rewarding, and not just financially.
“I always say that it’s the best thing I ever did without thinking about it,” says Loretta
Breedveld, owner of the Warwick Valley B&B in Warwick, NY. About 30 miles away, Warwick is a bucolic suburban town with wineries, apple picking, a drive-in theater, skiing nearby – all the things you’d associate with a traditional B&B.
Loretta’s choice was simpler. As a real estate agent, she knew the area and properties, as well as the benefits of owning a B&B there. It was a matter of falling in love with a building she’d been showing and making a lifestyle change. What made it easier was that it was already a B&B.
It’s one thing to go into the B&B industry starting with a preexisting business in an area primed for it. It’s another starting from scratch. What are the things that you might need to consider when making this decision?
You might want to undertake a feasibility study, do some market research, and consult with attorneys about what’s possible, particularly a land-use attorney. Finding a creatively minded real estate agent will help you find the right property, and an experienced real estate accountant to help with determining the business structure, insurance, and tax implications (including sales tax for guests). And always incorporate or establish an LLC for liability purposes.
CONTINUED >
Zoning laws vary from town to town, and most won’t have specific laws for a B&B, so you’ll likely have to request a variance, particularly if it’s mostly residential. Be prepared for any licensing, permits, and local codes that need to be satisfied. And it’s not just about the number of bedrooms anymore – communal bathrooms are a thing of the past, according to Breedveld. “It’s all ensuite now.” A well-appointed kitchen is necessary, but it doesn’t need to be all Viking appliances if you don’t want them – it’s your workspace. Don’t forget about parking.
Now it’s time to let your imagination kick into gear. Start thinking about what sort of décor and amenities to offer your guests. Whether it’s a traditional B&B experience (Laura Ashley, colonial, local history, etc.)
or something more eclectic (think sleek high-end urban vibes or something niche and personal), now’s your chance to put your stamp on things and let your brand sing. Who are you looking to attract? What’s important to your guests? Once your property is ready, get those pictures up on your new website and tell the world why this should be their destination.
Whether this is your all-in lifestyle or you’re just setting up the business is an important consideration. Breedveld has made it her life - “it’s my sole source of income.” But you might decide to outsource if it’s simply an investment. So you’ll need a reliable staff for breakfast, cleaning, maintenance, and a good assistant innkeeper. You might do it all yourself as she does, but you’ll need someone to count on to back you up should you want to take any time away.
“It’s not something for introverts,” says Breedveld. “You need to be pretty high energy. I’m up at 5:30 most mornings to get breakfast ready, particularly if there are dietary restrictions to accommodate. And no, my day doesn’t end once breakfast is over. That’s when the work really starts!”
“I’ve been so blessed by the people who have come through the past 26 years,” she offers. “If I’ve had a bad day, I can just go back and read the reviews we’ve gotten. It’s restorative. I truly love what I do.”
Simply investing in real estate is generally a pretty shrewd financial move. Why not consider something different, that’s missing from the community, and could bring you that much joy?
To see what goes into running a successful B&B, consider booking a weekend at the Warwick Valley B&B (24 Maple Avenue in Warwick, NY). Reach out to Loretta at 845-987-7255.
Travel is no longer just a luxury, it’s an investment that has the power to enrich our lives in ways that traditional financial investments cannot. It broadens our horizons, enhances personal and professional growth, and allows you to recharge your mind and body.
Crystal-clear waters and perfectly white sandy beaches await to recharge the spirits of all weary travelers.
Cancún is known around the world as one of Mexico’s finest tourist destinations. Steeped in the rich history of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancún offers visitors the best that the Yucatán Peninsula has to offer. Whether you are coming for the all-inclusive resort experience or are looking to enjoy the seemingly never-ending gorgeous beaches, Cancún has it all. Unbelievably fresh and delicious seasonal cuisine, great weather, a rich cultural history, exquisitely clear turquoise blue Caribbean waters, and vibrant coral reefs are all waiting for you to explore when you arrive.
Nature lovers, environmentalists, thrill seekers, and luxury destination travel enthusiasts all have a place to call home in Cancún. Boulevard Kukulkan, more commonly known as the Hotel Zone, is home to Cancún’s most luxurious all-inclusive hotels and boasts some of the city’s finest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centers. This fifteen-mile-long sand bar separates the Caribbean Sea from the Laguna Inchoate. The brackish waters of
the lagoon’s nature reserve and Mangrove ecosystem offer an exciting, ecologically friendly look into the rich natural history of Cancún. On the other side of the boulevard, crystal-clear waters and perfectly white sandy beaches await to recharge the spirits of all weary travelers.
The JW Marriott Resort and Spa is the place to stay while in Cancún. You'll be met by the most gracious of staff and a high level of service is standard across the property. This impeccably designed resort features multiple pools, an incredible spa, countless delicious restaurants, and a delightful lobby bar featuring over 150 signature margaritas.
Caring for the mind and body should be an essential part of everyone’s travel. A little physical exercise is a necessary element of any vacation for me. Puerto Maya Cancún combines a look into the historical Mayan culture of the Yucatán followed by an amazing speed boat tour of both the lagoon and the sea. And, just when you think it can’t get any better, it’s time to jump in and swim around. Snorkeling on the vibrant coral reefs and visiting MUSA, the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, absolutely recharges the mind, body, and soul. It is an incredible workout!
If you care to go a little further out of the city, Cenotes Zapote Eco-Tour awaits. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that expose cool, refreshing, groundwater
that is both invigorating and spiritually refreshing at the same time. There are over 6000 cenotes on the Yucatán, each one is unique and otherworldly. Floating or frolicking in the cool waters inside the earth is the ultimate spa experience. There are zip lines or diving platforms at most cenotes and they are well worth experiencing.
While it is nice to explore the “Hotel Zone”, you don't have to leave the hotel to experience fine international dining at its best!
Sacbé Beach Shack, located in the adjoining Marriott property was beyond belief. Situated directly on the sandy beaches beneath the hotel, the "beach shack" is a whimsically designed bar and dining room offering a perfect oceanside culinary experience. The freshest local ingredients were artfully combined to create a scrumptious offering that highlights regional Mexican cuisines. The mezcal lab experience with famed Master Mezcalier, Chef Benjamín Nava Vargas was an unexpected treat and opened a door to a delicious understanding and appreciation of small-batch mezcals.
Other JW Marriott Resort and Spa culinary treasures include Hana Polynesian Grill’s themed dining room. Perfectly crafty cocktails paired wonderfully with the authentic Polynesian Islands menu. The evening’s festivities were highlighted by a completely themed costumed troupe of singers and dancers performing time-honored Polynesian fire dances. While visiting, be sure to explore Kasai Izakaya, Club 91, and Bravo, a very fresh take on modern Spanish cuisine.
And, when it feels like it’s time to leave the hotel again, check out Chambao Cancún. Just think of it as an interactive curated dinner theatre experience with pop-up music, dance, fashion, and acrobatic activations staged throughout the evening.
Cancún should be at the top of everyone’s travel list in 2024. Trust me, you can thank me later.
JW-Marriott.marriott.com
PuertoMayaCancun.com
CenotesZapote.com
ChambaoRestaurant.com
Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way.
Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon
• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos
• Zest and juice from one lemon
• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard
• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced
• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.
2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.
3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.
4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!
Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits
The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light.
The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.
Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.
The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculas Zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered.