Try These Five in 2025 Copy
The end of 2024 was a very busy time for ChoreVoyant. We were happily serving clients throughout the months of November and December, and through all of that client work--we discovered some amazing places and things that we'd like to share with you. In this blog, I will be spotlighting four Bergen County businesses--and one fabulous little gadget--that will become your "go-to's" this year. If you live in or near Closter, Westwood, Wyckoff, Hillsdale, River Vale, Old Tappan, or Norwood, New Jersey--you're in for a real treat, as these businesses are right around the corner from you!
The Two Gems in Closter I Discovered Last Autumn!
Let me tell you the story of how I found these two places, after living in Teaneck for thirty years. In late October, I took on a new client who happens to live in northeastern Bergen County. Because I was handling her errands and household tasks, she asked me to pick up some fruit at our first gem, The Farmhouse Gourmet.
The Farmhouse Gourmet
Located at 460 Demarest Avenue in Closter, the Farmhouse Gourmet offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, honeys, pasta sauces, cheeses, baked goods, and snack items. Is your mouth watering yet? It will be once you step inside! They source their produce from farms in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Hudson Valley; in the winter, they obtain those warm-weather specialties from farms in Florida. So how does everything seem so fresh if it's coming from such a distance? Their special relationship with Florida growers and local trucking companies, who get them the "goodies" in less than three days. The miniature pears are great for kids, and the blackberries are sweet and juicy--every time! I was even able to find Ski Queen Gjetost Norwegian cheese at the Farmhouse Gourmet! It's a personal favorite, especially when paired with a crisp, tart-sweet apple.
On my way back to my client's house, I drove up Old Closter Dock Road for the first time. I thought it was a quaint, pretty street--bustling with small businesses. Because I needed to prep those fruits and vegetables for my client, I didn't have time to stop and check out this part of Closter's business district. However, with my birthday the following weekend, I suggested going for a walk around Closter. That's when I found the second gem--Cocohodo.
Cocohodo
Cocohodo offers a Korean walnut pastry called cocohodo, along with bubble teas, shaved ice, taiyakis--a Korean croissant-style treat that can be either sweet or savory, and a variety of hot and cold beverages. The walnut pastries were super-yummy! These cocohodo are small and round, with a fluffy dough encasing a walnut and red bean paste center. Chewy, creamy, crunchy, and sweet--what's not to like? I liked them so much I gifted them to friends at holiday time!
Cocohodo is located at 255 Closter Dock Road, and are open every day except Sunday.
Moms Know Best
Because many of ChoreVoyant's clients are moms, I take their recommendations for places to shop, eat, or get the services that are important to them very seriously. When multiple moms said how much they love Tons of Toys, I knew that they were a shop to share with you.
Tons of Toys
Tons of Toys has two locations in Bergen County--one in Westwood, and another in Wyckoff. After visiting both locations myself, I can see why these moms love them. It's an incredible place! Wall to wall toys, games, puzzles, age-appropriate crafting kits, books, and more. The selection is beyond anything you'd find at a big box store, or in the toy department of your favorite department store. The variety is truly dazzling, and what struck me the most is how engaging everything is. These are toys that allow your child to stretch his or her imagination, to move, to gain manual dexterity, and to learn. The toys are familiar, but unique! Sure, they carry Legos and Pokemon goods, but they also have so much more. If you're looking to have your child interact with something other than a screen, Tons of Toys is the place to go.
In Westwood, Tons of Toys is located at 140 Westwood Avenue. In Wyckoff, they are located at 315 Franklin Avenue, Unit 4.
A Winner In Westwood
As a personal concierge, not only do I get to take care of errands and household tasks--I get to take on special projects for clients. One of my clients was looking to add to a collection of family photos they have displayed in their home, but this particular photo needed to be enlarged and framed--with the frame matching the rest of the display. As I was waiting online in the framing department of a craft chain, another customer that was not satisfied with their service said to me that she wished she went to Avenue Custom Framing in Westwood. I asked her more about them, and she told me that it was the place to go for framing fine art or the photos that are really important to you. After that conversation, I hopped in the car and headed to Westwood.
She was absolutely right! Peter at Avenue Custom Framing spent almost half an hour with me, showing me framing options that would match the rest of my client's photo collection, and options for another project my client was interested pursuing--having keepsakes from a family trip mounted in a plexiglass case. I was very impressed with Peter's knowledge and concern for my client's projects. He was thorough, and even followed up with me two days later with an exact price quote for the keepsake-mounting! I'll be heading back there soon to complete the framing project, and I hope you'll check them out, too.
Avenue Custom Framing is located at 89 Westwood Avenue in Westwood.
The Gadget You've Got to Try
I have a client I truly admire. She has her home routines and systems down to a science! Due to a temporary health challenge, she needed help executing those routines and systems--and that's how I came to work with her and learn about this last really cool thing that you should try in 2025.
The Hydroxy Water Ion Purification Technology employed by this device degrades any harmful residues that may be on your fruit and vegetables. Do I understand how it works? No! Is it fun to watch the little bubbles emerge from it, and to see the little nubs and fuzz come off of your berries and kiwi? Absolutely! A variety of brands and price points are available from online retailers. It allows you to soak the fruit and vegetables and complete another task, without having to rub and wipe with brushes or spray-on cleaners.
Too busy to check out these places? Overwhelmed by the time it takes to complete your errands and household tasks? We at ChoreVoyant would love to help! Click here to see our full array of services and to contact us!
ChoreVoyant is a family-owned personal concierge service offering help with errands and household tasks to all of Bergen County. We focus on working with moms, those experiencing health challenges, and small business owners who could use a helping hand.
