Charles M.

Makeup Artist Shop

While my wife shopped for makeup artists to assist her during our wedding plans, we encountered a newly-opened (at that time) full-service makeup studio called The Makeup Artist Shop in Oradell. An attractive studio, the Makeup Artist Shop has all you need to prepare your face for its best look.

The makeup artists here are top notch--professional and experienced. The owner of the studio has more than 20 years in the business, and has state-of-the-art equipment and services to cater to her clientele. Airbrush foundation, private lessons, wedding packages--the rates are competitive but the service here is superior.

My wife's colleagues like to use The Makeup Artist Shop's services when they are preparing to chaperone the prom (they are high school teachers). This store also sells premier makeup and skin care lines, such as Too Faced--my wife stresses the fact that The Makeup Artist Shop doesn't test on animals (it's "cruelty free") and that's a big draw for her since she loves animals!

The shop has an online site as well if you want to browse or find out more about complimentary services, fees, and directions to the store. Log on!

http://www.makeupartistshop.com/

PROS: Great brands, professional service
CONS:

B B Clover

If you are tired of the same run-of-the-mill gifts and accessories, a recently-opened boutique in Ho Ho Kus welcomes you! Clover is an attractive storefront that is now occupying a once-antique store that is on the corner of Franklin Turnpike. The store is not open on Sundays, so take a trip to Clover during the week or on a Saturday.

Clover carries jewelry, clothing, accessories, and more. They sell beautiful picture frames, attractive scarves and shawls, and semi-precious jewelry. The store has an inviting layout that is reminiscent of a New York boutique. My wife was impressed with the adina jewelry for sale--necklaces, bracelets, etc. Make sure to take your wallet when you visit Clover--the prices are certainly not cheap, but you are paying for quality, individuality, and service.

Clover is a popular hot-spot with the local shopping circuit. It fills a niche for unusual collectibles, couture accessories, and one-of-a-kind items. Why trek into NY and pay 8.25% sales tax on a Lorelei handbag when you can purchase it at a 6% sales tax at Clover? Shop like a pro and treat yourself at Clover!

PROS: Unique, couture items for sale
CONS:

Sportsworld Indoor Amusement

Sportsworld in Paramus, NJ is a big, indoors-type arcade/amusemnt park situation. Kids will flock here to play the latest arcade games, most especially the new dancing game which seems to be the rage these days.

Old school arcades combined with new-fangled video games can be found in this place. There are also many amusement park type games such as skee ball, basketball, bowling, rifle shooting, and so much more that are just as popular as the video games as they distribute coupons for you to collect. Exchange them if you have enough for a prize.

One of the main attractions is the the laser tag arena that is good for a group of people. For 30 mins, you will be able to enjoy 2 rounds of pointing-and-shooting targets to win the game. Believe it or not you get quite the exercise routine from it. A mini-golf course is situated in the back along with all the pinball machines.

There is also a restaurant for those needing a food break complete with diner-like seating. It always seems so dark in the restaurant though, and the restrooms could be a bit cleaner, if you know what I mean.

There is an Entertainment coupon you can use to double the amount of tokens you can get when you pay the entrance fee in the evenings. This comes in handy with bigger parties.

Sportsworld is a good hangout place for kids who need a distraction for a couple of hours, and it helps keep them out of trouble for a while.

PROS: Lots to do
CONS: Looks old and run down, needs a face lift

Rockland Bakery

Rockland Bakery in Nanuet, NY is always busy. This is a fact and one that can't be avoided at any costs. No matter what time of day you go, there's always a crowd especially in the morning when the freshest items come out.

Everything is moist and fresh-out-of-the-oven giving you that warm fuzzy feeling whenever you sink your teeth into such salivating tastes. Many rolls, bagels, breads, pastries, cookies, tarts, and so much, much more are offered, but make sure you get it while you can. Too much of a good thing can disappear as quickly as they appear from the oven.

I'm glad the parking is huge because the crowds come from all over the place. I once talked to a couple who drove an hour just to come to this particular bakery, and they made the trip worth their time as they walked away with more than a handful of goodies.

Rockland also does catering and considering the magic they make each and every day, I'm sure their spread would be amazing. You can definitely do no wrong in hiring them to cater a party for you. I'm just waiting for the right occasion for me to use them.

If you ever get the chance to make a trip into Nanuet, then you definitely have to make Rockland Bakery one of your stops along the way. You'll be ridiculed if you don't.

PROS: Everything
CONS: none

Hohokus Veterinary Hospital

There are times when we need to board our cat as we go away on vacation. That's we are grateful for Ho Ho Kus Veterinary Hospital.

I know our cat doesn't like going there just because she's scared of everyone and other animals, but the staff makes sure that she is well taken care of. I find it that when we need to board her that it's usually a good time for her to also get her vaccinations. It's best to give the staff these special instructions and repeat it more than once so they actually make a note of it.

I've also noticed that there are new people on the staff which makes a big difefrence. They are very kind, patient and helpful. The doctors do their best to ensure that our pet is as healthy as can be. We last took our cat to get a leukemia shot and was given thorough instructions on how to administer our cat's medication. I was extremely grateful for the advice since I'm a new pet owner myself. Every bit of working knowledge helps.

The boarding of pets isn't as much as I thought it would be. In fact it's quite reasonable in price, something that always surprises me whenever I get the bill at the end. Vaccinations do cost a lot more but if you want to make sure that your pet is getting the best treatment, I'm sure you will pay for what is needed. The people at Ho Ho Kus Veterinary make sure they do that job.

PROS: Friendly staff
CONS: I don't know how the animals are boarded

Zapp Comics Cards & Toys

Zapp! Comics, Cards & Toys in Wayne, NJ is a well-stocked store that has something of everything for anyone who walks through the doors. Comic books are the backbone of this place which brings in steady influx of customers who come in for their weekly funny books fix. New issues arrive every Wednesday while the back issue bins are plentiful.

Even more abundant is the amount of action figures strewn all over the place. Loads and loads of figures hang on the walls and on the shelves for the avid toy collector, most of them not only comic book related, but sports related as well (thanks mostly in part to McFaralane Toys).

I really like the display cases with all the mini-busts and statues that are showcased. When they are all together in one place, it's really a spectacle to behold, and one I really appreciate as I know I will never been able to afford to collect a huge collection like that.

Like many comic book places, they also sell comic supplies, books, DVDs and videos, trading cards, posters, t-shirts, and so much. Like I said, something for everyone is present.

There are two locations: one in Wayne, NJ and one in Freehold, NJ.

Take a visit to either one of these places. You won't be disappointed at all.

PROS: Great selections, lots of stuff
CONS: none

Esoterica Books

A day trip to New Paltz, NY will end up a stroll down Main Street where a lot of small, ecelectic shops find an audience in this small, college town. I've been told it's a very artsy area and from a quick glance I can see why. Lots of students grace the streets as they attend Suny College and stamp their identity all over the place... from the way they dress, act, behave, and so on.

Esoterica Books is a small shop that fits the bill for being different and making its own mark. There is such a uniqueness as you enter the store and first noticing the scent smell of incense burning throughout. For brevity's sake, lt's call it a New Age store, but's more than that.

Yes, there are lots of crystals and gems on display for sale, both used in therapy, items on Feng Shui, and other world religions each garnering a place in this shop. In other worlds, this store is actually fun and educational as many different cultures are being represented in this dwelling. Books and related material are also sold enlightening those who wish to learn more. Other items such as greeting cards, candles, jewelery, handwoven garments and bags also adorn the area.

There is also a graet collection of world music for you to listen to and buy if you like. It's a great way to see and experience how these cultures, as diverse as they are, have a common them and influenece each other.

The owner of the store is such a nice lady, very friendly and helpful towards all her customers.

I enjoyed visiting Esoterica Books just to witness its unique flavor. That and the incense had a very calming effect over me. Must be some voodoo magic at work.

PROS: Friendly owner, diverse selections
CONS: none

New Moon Comics LLC

New Moon Comics in Wayne, NJ is a family-owned business with a great and fun attitude towards all the customers that come into the store. The store is very lively with activity and the staff is always upbeat.

The main crux of the store's focus is on comic books. New issues come in every Wednesday, and lots of backissues are offered through their back issue bins. They won't gouge you on the prices as they believe in fair play, something that's welcomed in the business as other places jack up the prices and try to swindle you. I frown on that practice and appreciate the honesty New Moon displays towards their customers.

However, the gaming industry is prominent in this store as witnessed by the "Game Nights" that take place. From Dungeons & Dragons to HeroClix to Mechwarrior and so much more, this place is always bustling with gaming fanatics. They plan to expand and add a gaming room specifically for these gamers.

This is a fun place to visit and even hang out. I like places like these because it doesn't feel sterile at all. It's supposed to be fun and New Moon does just that... make it fun.

PROS: Energetic, fun place
CONS: none

Nimues Cafe & Book Store

I honestly would have never stopped to look to see what this store was all about unless I visited the deli that was next to it. Nimue's Book Cafe & Book Store in Midland Park, NJ seemed to spring out of nowhere one day and quietly infiltrate the area.

This place is a small shop that is a cafe/bookstore combined into one. Upon entering you can already get a sense that this is more of a hangout joint, ala the Friends coffee shop on television. There are a few choices, some tables and chairs, dim lighting, a fireplace, and a few bookshelves filled with... you guessed it... books. The books in the lounge area are for reading pleasure while the ones in the cafe section are for sale.

The crowd that usually hangs out in here is a young one, trying to find something different to do. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a youth group meeting and feel out of place. Then there are the assortment of people that also patronize the store, from old to young, weird to normal, but definitely colourful.

The beverages that are aerved are comparable to any Starbucks or other coffee places. The difference is being served in an actual cup with saucer, not paper.

The problem with this store is that one never knows when it is opened. I usually see a crowd at night time, but it's always closed during the day. Even at night it's erratic. Sometimes it's open and sometimes it's not. It's almost like there's a secret cult that congregrate around this shop.

It's a cute place but it doesn't seem to fit in the town that almost shuts down after nine. The only places that are open around it is the Friendly's down the street, the Porchlight Grill even further down, and 7-Eleven. Here's hoping that they can make something out of it.

PROS: Different, cozy, intimate
CONS: Hours are unknown

Wallkill View Farm Greenhouse

Wallkill View Farm in New Paltz, NY has to be one of the best places to get the freshest fruits and vegetables around, and that says a lot considering there are a lot of farms in the area. This place is always busy no matter the time of season as locals and some not so local congregate to buy the freshest foods. And these portions aren't small. We are talking about some large-sized selections.

The summertime is great as there are giant sunflowers all along the road, shooting as high as 8 feet tall. The autumn is great for picking out pumpkins to which there is a huge selection for you to choose from, whether your preference is big or small.

I love how you are able to pick the right amount of fruits and vegetables to your liking, instead of having to buy a certain number in order to get a deal. Everything in this place IS a deal. I like that I can pick out one orange or one corn or one apple and not having to worry about spending a lot. And like I said, these selections aren't small.

Everything is organically grown which is a bonus. Lots of fresh flowers are also sold over here and the staff is very helpful.

This is a wonderfully place to get fresh food if you are ever in the area. The locals take the time to come here instead of just going to the Shoprite for all their grocery needs. It's a great experience to shop at a farm knowing that freshness makes a big difference in your healthy living.

PROS: Huge-sized selections
CONS: none