March 26, 2011

At The Elan with Notes on the State of New Jersey photographer, Christina Rudczynski

 

The Elan
Thursday night, I attended the grand opening of the new reception hall in Lodi, The Elan.

Ari Starkman, owner of The Elan, was there to energetically greet and welcome guests to his open house.  During the event, I had a great time chatting with Kelly Adams from RSVP to Me and Sophie Stone  from the Paramus Post.  The food was delicious and the entertainment from Uptown Swing got everyone on their feet. Anyone looking to have a wedding or other banquet event will definitely want to check out The Elan in Lodi!

The sugar bowl I painted at The Clay Pot!

 

My Sugar Bowl
Back in January, I went to The Clay Pot in Spotswood on a snowy Saturday.  I painted a sugar bowl (the colors of my kitchen), and left it there to be fired.  It was ready for pick up in just a couple of days.  My friend, Lauren, picked up the sugar bowl for me, when she got her own pottery piece,  but because of (lots of) snow and busy schedules, she and I just recently connected.

It was definitely worth the wait! I am very pleased with the way that my sugar bowl came out and I’m looking forward to going back to The Clay Pot and making another piece!

Best of Jersey
My copy of New Jersey Monthly’s Best of Jersey issue  arrived today.  Once again, Walter Bauman Jewelers has been voted as the Best Jewelry Store in NJ.  (Yay!)  I’m going to get myself a cup of coffee, and sit back with the magazine to see what other great NJ individuals and businesses made the list this year!

~Melissa
The Jersey Girl

Best of New Jersey…

Do you have a favorite NJ spot?  Well, make sure everyone knows about it!  Voting is now open for NJ Monthly’s 2011 Best of Jersey, and the polls will close on January 12th.  Make sure you take a minute to vote for all your favorite NJ businesses and destinations.

I just casted my vote – can’t wait to see who the winners will be!

~Melissa
The Jersey Girl

The Best Jewelry Store in New Jersey ~ Walter Bauman Jewelers

Walter Bauman Jewelers - the Union, NJ location

This Jersey Girl is also a Jewelry Girl.  Ever since I was very young, I have appreciated jewelry and loved wearing it, making it, and admiring it for the art that it is.  It made perfect sense that back in college, when I was looking for a part-time job, I would choose to work in a jewelry store, but it wasn’t just any old jewelry store…

My mother (from whom I’ve inherited this love for jewelry) began shopping at Walter Bauman Jewelers right after I was born.  I grew up visiting the store (in the then East Brunswick location) with her on weekends when she shopped for gifts for friends and family.  I was fascinated by the beautiful pieces they sold, always looking for something new each time I visited, and I began to especially appreciate the unique estate and antique pieces.  The stories behind the estate pieces fascinated me as much as the jewelry itself.  The patient and friendly salespeople took the time to show me the jewelry, let me try it on, and explained as much as they knew about its history.  I could spend hours examining the craftsmanship of the pieces, deciphering the sometimes worn engraving, or simply imagining who had owned it once upon a time.

These fond memories have stayed with me over the years, and though store locations have changed, as well as some of the salespeople, their spirit has remained the same.  I continue to have a positive experience each time I shop with Walter Bauman Jewelers.

With Russell Bauman near the Union location's estate jewelry counter. (Photo by Christina Rudczynski)

There are currently four NJ locations: Union, Clifton, Short Hills and the original West Orange store that opened in 1960.  Each location has at least one trained gemologist or diamond expert on hand, as well as a jewelry craftsperson.  The stores are run by Walter Bauman’s children and grandchildren who work diligently to provide the same quality merchandise, value, and service as when the company was founded.

The quality shopping experience at Walter Bauman Jewelers has not gone unrecognized.  This year, Walter Bauman Jewelers was voted the Best Jewelry Store in New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly.  Russell Bauman, of the Union location says, “”We didn’t even realize what a great thing it was to win New Jersey Monthly’s poll until people started congratulating us when the issue came out.  We just really appreciate all the customers who took the time to vote.”

The next time you are shopping for a special gift, an engagement ring, or a trendy little something for yourself, be sure you visit a Walter Bauman Jeweler’s location.  I just may see you there!

~Melissa
The Jersey Girl

Links:
Walter Bauman Jeweler’s website
Store Locations