I am not the only one my age that feels this way: I hated virtual school with a passion. So, here I am, a 7th grade homeschooler who is not only following an academic curriculum, but also learning to run a small business. After a year and a half of a chaotic learning environment, I decided on a completely new path; an unusual path. Luckily, my parents were able to adjust their days to accommodate this and thus began our adventure.

Homeschooling is a type of learning that may be a bit uncommon, but provides, in my opinion, a better format and environment for the learning experience.  Homeschooling opens up infinite possibilities, especially in New Jersey, where you don’t have to follow any real guidelines, though we are loosely following the curriculum of my former private school. Parents and students can really explore whatever skills they feel are necessary to grow, at any speed that suits them, as they are not restricted by a rigid lesson plan or set schedule.  Instead of sitting at a desk for 7 hours straight, lessons go by in a fraction of the time. This leaves more opportunity for greater development and mentally feels much better. I can go through a lesson anywhere, at any time of the day, while moving or dancing or tossing a ball. Some days we do an Italian lesson on the couch after dinner or a Latin lesson while cuddling with our foster kittens. Learning occurs at every step of the way.
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Even though it's flexible, homeschool does still take up a good portion of the day, which makes it difficult for my mom to run her small business, Deep Breath In, making and selling soaps, deodorant, salves, balms; all sorts of natural body products (deepbreathin.com). Apologies for the shameless plug. Originally she thought she would have to pause her business but instead we incorporated it into my lessons: introduction to free market capitalism and economics is one of the more crucial things a child should be learning if we are preparing for an adult life. In order to have the full experience, I am involved in all parts of the business from product development, to sourcing materials, to manufacturing, marketing, web design, bookkeeping and everything in between. And I get to keep 50% of the profits!

I’ve experienced public school, I’ve experienced private school and I can say I fully recommend homeschooling as a better option. I feel as if traditional schooling has become distorted over time and kids aren't learning what they need to succeed. School’s main purpose is to prepare you for life, and I personally think homeschooling does a better job.  Of course, it may not work for everyone, but over the past 3 months, I have explored so many different topics, learned so much and I have even helped my peers with their homework! I'm not sure if I'll return to traditional school next year yet. It will certainly be difficult to adjust if I do.

I work for Keller Williams in  Ridgewood, local to where I currently reside with my family. 

​I've chosen to align myself with the #1 tech-enabled real estate company in the United States in order to continue to deliver the absolute best service possible to you. 

Working with me gives you access to the latest information on trends in real estate as well as cutteing edge tools to market your home or property and finally, over a decade of Bergen County Real Estate experience. Here's what you can expect when you work with me:

10+ years sales  experience to include working with buyers,  sellers and rentals.

A comprehensive suite of marketing and advertising tools to deliver optimized search, social media and email campaigns to market your home
 
A robust toolkit of data-enhanced, digital assets such as lead-optimized landing pages, dynamic social media graphics and more to garner attention for your listing
 
Access to real-time neighborhood and market data as well as important proprietary insights and trends to help inform any real estate decision you make

​For more information on all of your real estate questions, contact me at: 201.445.4300/nicoletartaglia@kw.com or visit my Bergen County Real Estate site.

When you first get to the spa look around. Is it clean? Are their dust bunnies in the corners? Empty trash cans? Do you get a good feeling when you walk in? Does the receptionist greet you? Pay attention to these things because it reflects how they will treat you!

During your consultation appointment be 100% honest. Do not be embarrassed- literally ask ANYTHING! Do you have hair in “weird” places? Trust me, they’ve heard it all- make sure you get all of your goals met. Ask all of the questions you have. This is YOUR BODY. You deserve to get everything you want. Also, ask what product/ laser they use and do research on it to ensure it is what you want.    

Tip #4: Make sure you can meet with the doctor or nurse that will do your treatment if you are getting filler or botox. Look at their face. Often if you don’t like the filler they have in their face (and they think looks good) you will not be happy with your filler. There are many different techniques and doctors are inclined to do what they think looks good, not necessarily what you want. Also, ask what they’ve had done- they should be honest with you.

Tip #5: If you don’t feel 100% sold on the spa, keep looking. Don’t rush this process- the goal is to set up a long-term relationship with a place you love.

If you have any comments about what YOU think makes a great medical spa, comment below!

[ Also Read: Frequently Asked Questions About Botox Treatments ]

​​There are tons of amazing choices and sometimes, that can be daunting; especially when you have children. They can be so indecisive about what they want to eat, and if you are sitting in a fancy restaurant and table five is giving you some not so friendly looks… it can be stressful. Another thing is, you want to make sure that the energy is fit for a child to have a good time and not be exposed to things that no young child should be exposed to. This is why we created this amazing list so that you can see the five best family restaurants in Bergen County!

Bergen County Zoo!
The Bergen County Zoological Park was the first zoo in NJ to be credited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. I am actually quite surprised by the price of this Zoo because it is in a wonderful price range! The price for a ticket for adults fifteen to sixty-one is eight dollars for a non-resident and four dollars for people who live there! Children who live there are charged two dollars and children who do not live there are charged five. ​

Demarest Railroad Depot
The Demarest Railroad Depot is one of the official historic sites of Bergen County. The station was designed by an architect name J. Cleveland Cady and built in 1872. The railroad was named after a state senator of the time named Ralph S. Demarest, who directed the project and owned the land where the railroad was built. The whole borough wound up being named after him in 1905. The depot was privately owned by railroads until 1977, when the borough of Demarest bought it. Today, it’s a senior center brimming with architectural character. ​