RENOVATIONS: Bringing Bamboo Furniture Back To Life

Let's be honest - refinishing furniture can be a daunting task. I've spent years accumulating a collection of chairs in the basement with “potential”, a testament to good intentions and dwindling motivation.

But recently, I felt the urge to revive some neglected bamboo furniture.

These chairs, rescued from the side of the road, reside in the Carport (a covered outdoor space) here at Content + Co. and were in desperate need of some TLC.

The beauty of bamboo furniture? It's incredibly sturdy. With a little effort, I knew I could transform these chairs into functional and stylish seating for years to come.

The process was surprisingly quick and manageable. Here's how I brought these bamboo chairs back to life in under an hour:

Clean sweep: I started with a simple dry brush and microfiber cloth to remove dust, spiderwebs, and stray grass.

Sanding for smoothness: Next, I used fine-grit sandpaper to buff out any rough spots or splintering. Sanding also creates a better surface for the finishing touches.

The finishing touch: After some research, I discovered Australian Timber Oil is a popular choice for bamboo. While I initially bought some, I realized we already had a can of polyurethane hiding out in the workshop. Completing this project for zero dollars vs. $30 was enough for me to drive back and make the return.

Australian Timber Oil

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

AMAZON LINK

Poly with a twist: The poly's finish leaned a bit orange, but it ended up adding a richness that perfectly complements our black and white striped cushions.

Before and after pics don't lie! These chairs went from roadside rescue to carport chic in a flash. So, even if you're not a seasoned refinisher, bamboo furniture's forgiving nature allows for quick and rewarding projects.

What do you think of the transformation? Ready to give a project like this a try? Let us know in the comment section below!

2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE UNDER $30

The giving season is upon us, and whether you’re celebrating with loved one’s near-or-far, our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide Under $30 is sure to warm their hearts.

Foodie, friend or father-in-law, this year’s gift guide should have a little something for everyone on your list, without breaking your budget!

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Glass Cups with Bamboo Lids and Glass Straw

Perfect for someone with an aversion to standard glassware. As an added bonus the lids prevent spilling and elevates any beverage.

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Electronic Candle Lighter

Tired of burnt fingers, broken match sticks?
An Electronic Candle Lighter combines elegance, practicality, and innovation. Its sleek and sophisticated device that will revolutionize the way your loved ones light their candles and experience cozy moments.

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Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Machine

Perfect for the family fashionista or clean freak. This ultrasonic cleaner is not only limited to jewelry. It also revitalizes eyeglasses, watches, and even small metal objects, making it a versatile addition to any household.

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Mouse Cheese Knives, Set of 3

Add a whimsical touch to any cheese board. Cheese connoisseurs or knick-knacker alike will love this adorable set.

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From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen

Snoop Dogg knows best about most things. With its flavorful creations and engaging storytelling, it's a must-have addition to any cookbook collection. Bonus Idea: Pair it with a gift card to your local dispensary.

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Deep Tissue Massage Gun

Got a pain-in-the-ass on your list? Maybe they just knead to work out the kinks for themselves.

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Palm Reading Cards

Mystics and wacky neighbors unit with love for these Palm Reading Cards. Easier to wrap than a crystal ball!

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Silicone Cooking Utensil Set

Whether you're shopping for a novice cook or a seasoned chef, everyone has a burnt utensil that needs to be replaced. Start them out fresh with this full set.

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Microfiber Towel Hair Wrap

Tweens, mother-in-laws & hair care enthusiasts rejoice! This Microfiber hair wrap will have your recipient feeling pampered and fabulous.

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Spiral Tapered Candles

Spiral Tapered Candles are all the rage right now! Bring your favorite Hostess up to speed. Grace their tablescape with these trendy accessories and elevate any candle holder.

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Simon

Nostalgic, yes! Subtly training someone in your circle to follow directions, bonus!

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Mug Warmer

Know a Scrooge? This Mug Warmer could keep even the most cold hearted recipient happy with a hot beberage.

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What do you think, will you be gifting any of our 2023 Holiday Gifts? Comment below!

LIFE AT CONTENT: Summer Sauce

You know it’s summer in New Jersey when the hobby farmers start pawning off their veggies! My parents have kept a garden my whole life, and come early July, every meal begins to include some iteration of zucchini, squash or swiss chard. Sometimes pickled. Sometimes roasted. Often just steamed with salt, pepper and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Whether you want (or need) more, vegetables are inevitably showing up on your doorstep, so you better have a few tricks up your sleeve. That’s what lead me to create this recipe, that John affectionately refers to as my “Summer Sauce”.

Truth be told, there’s no real sauce element in the way of tomatoes (not till the end of July, at least), but all the garden’s bounty adds amazing flavor, texture and color which creates a mixture that can be eaten by itself, or added to any starch for a full meal.

The key to this recipe is the ribbon technique used to prepare the zucchini and squash. Think zoodle, but with a vegetable peeler. The ribboned veggies are quick to cook and keep their shape.

In the below recipe, we’ve added rigatoni and sour cream for a creamy finish!

SUMMER SAUCE

1/2 red onion chopped

1/2 cup sweet peppers

2 cloves garlic minced

Swiss chard (handful, stems removed, chopped)

1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot/sweet/mix)

1 zucchini (ribboned)

1 squash (ribboned)

Italian seasoning, chives, salt, pepper

optional - pasta, sour cream and butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet, and begin to brown the garlic cloves, peppers and onion; add sausage and Italian seaononing to cook.

2. Then add the ribboned vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the swiss chard on top and gently fold into the mixture to lightly steam the greens. Season with salt and pepper.

STARCH

1. In a separate pot, cook 1/2 lb of pasta (substitute starch) to the package directions; al dente is best. Loosely drain the pasta, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

2. Return pasta to pot, add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/4 cup of sour cream. Stir to coat pasta, add chives.

3. Add all veggie sauce mixture to pasta pot and fold together to incorporate.
   

What do you think, will you try our recipe for Summer Sauce? Comment below!

RENOVATION: Deluxe Queen Suite Reveal

Bye-Bye Camp Room. Hello Deluxe Queen Suite.

We’re sharing the renovation of the Camp Room into our brand new, Deluxe Queen Suite.

BOOK HERE

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BOOK HERE 〰️

BEFORE

What was once a love letter to summer camp, is now a sophisticated two-room suite with queen bedroom, living room and private breakfast bar.

Though fairly simple in planning, the impact of this redesign is huge.

If you have stayed at Content + Co before, you know each of our Guest Suites are unique in their own style and design. But overall each features 1-queen sized bed and ensuite bathroom.

Now, our Deluxe Suite stand out in square footage and amenities. Combining the comfort of Guest Suite #1 and adjoining room, the Deluxe Suite offers a full living room with couch, smart television, seating area and desk; perfect for working from home or longer stays.

Reservations are now open for the Deluxe Queen Suite. Click here to check rates and availability.

The breakfast bar is outfitted with a mini fridge, Keurig coffee machine, microwave and snacks to start your day off right! The built in mini fridge disappears into the layout and adds to the mixed metal finishes.

Traveling with a group? The Deluxe Suite living room can be used to sleep an additional two guests (4 guests total). We added a beautiful green velvet futon couch that doubles as an addition sleeping option and kept one of the infamous, twin camp cot (additional linen rates apply).

Suite #1 with the open door to the attached, private living room. We used the same green accent wall color on the breakfast bar to tie the design together between rooms.

We rearranged some of the bedroom furniture, and now provide a mid-century dresser to accommodate longer stays.

The living room seating area features a comfy green velvet futon for lounging and added sleeping accommodations. The camp cot in the corner doubles as a bed or reading nook.

We continued the use of modern Americana style with vintage and midcentury pieces throughout the spaces. We adore the thrifted suitcases and carnival game used as wall art.

The breakfast bar is painted in the same rich, green paint color featured on the accent wall of the bedroom. We used polished brass hardware which really pops against the green cabinets.

The custom breakfast bar is one of my favorite additions! John created a functional and beautiful built-in work space. The cabinets hide the bar’s essentials, trash can and a microwave.

We used a mix of brass and chrome on the fridge and hadware.

These brass and black, adjustable arm scones above the breakfast bar allowed us to install a shelf and illuminate the counter below without shadows.

The brass hardware finish is repeated in the bathroom shower and sink fixtures.

For the design enthusiasts, we’re sharing all of the sources of the reno too.

SOURCES

Bedroom

Wall Color: Benjamin Moore Cloud White

Accent Wall Color: Benjamin Moore Tarrytown Green

Trim Color: Benjamin Moore Advanced White

Bed (similar)

Dresser (vintage, similar)

Vintage Prints

Faux Palm

Woven Wall Art

Kantha Throw

Living Room

Wall Color: Benjamin Moore Rockport Grey

Rug (large)

Couch

Television

Floor Lamp

Poofs

Rug (accent)

Breakfast Bar

Breakfast Bar Base Color: Benjamin Moore Tarrytown Green

Countertop

Floating Shelf

Scones

Brass Rail System

Wine Glasses

Drinking Glasses

White Mugs

Coffee Maker

Mini Fridge

Paper Towel Holder

Drawer Organizer

Bathroom

Mosaic Tile

Shower Tile

Sink

Sink Fixture

Rain Shower Head

Shower Curtain

Plant Hanger

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VAN LIFE: Easy Long-Weekend Camping Trips from New Jersey

CAMPER VAN FOR SALE

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CAMPER VAN FOR SALE ~

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All camping trips are amazing, but what if you have only a few nights to getaway?

Luckily, we have a ton of first-hand, camping experience and with that question in mind, we’re sharing our favorite Easy Long-Weekend Camping Trips from New Jersey that meet the following criteria:

• approx. 4 hours drive from Central New Jersey (our camper van rental pickup location)

• offer quality campgrounds

• maximized fun in a 4-night rental

• local attractions and entertainment

Catskills

Drive Time: 2-3 hours

Suggested Destination: Woodland Valley and North South Lake

Suggested Campground: North/South Lake Campground

Our first extended, weekend camping trip is to the Catskills region which is located in the southeastern part of New York. The Catskills Mountain area is hugely diverse, so for this trip we’re focusing on Woodland Valley and North/South Lake located on the northern, east side section of the Catskills.

We really enjoyed our staying at North/South Lake Campground which is part of the NY State Park system. Easy drive, good hikes Ledges Trail around the lake from campground. Hike to Katterskills Falls popular destination. Town Tannersville. Woodstock Brewery. Last Chance Antique and Cheese Cafe. Close to Woodstock. Phoenicia, diner.

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Delaware

Drive Time: 3 hours with ferry ride

Suggested Destination: Delaware Beach

Suggested Campground: Cape Hemlopen State Park right off ferry

There’s something extra fun starting a trip with a ferry ride, and the Cape May Ferry is no exception. Our camper vans easily fit as a regulars sized vehicle. The trip itself is memorable and there is a great bar at the ferry terminal and on the ferry itself.

For overnight, we recommend Cape Hemlopen State Park Campground which is seconds from the Cape May Ferry terminal. The campground is spacious, quiet and partially wooded. There are beautifully groomed bike trails and the park offers rentals, Disk golf. Beaches. Fishing. Closed to Lewes which has adorable downtown with shops and restaurant.

Day trip: Rehoboth Beach touristy, family boardwalk vibe. Dogfish Head. 25 minute drive.

Day trip: Milton - Dogfish Head OG location, cute downtown. 20 minute drive.

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Green Mountains, Vermont

Drive Time: 4 hours

Suggested Destination: Green Mountains

Suggested Campground: Emerald Lake State Park (open May-October), Townshend State Park

You might assume Vermont is too far to enjoy in 4 nights, but the southwest corner of the state is perfect for travelers coming from New Jersey. It’s a beautiful, scenic drive of farmland, forests and mountain backdrop.

There are lots of state campgrounds, many with lakes catering to watersports, swimming and boating. We stayed at Emerald Lake State Park which surrounds a 20 acre lake perfect for swimming and paddling. The campground has tent and RV spots.

Hiking in wonderful in the state park and surrounding Green Mountain National Forest. One of our favorite experiences was the White Rock Ice Bed Trail. The 3 mile hike features natural occurring ice beds which freeze and slowly melt throughout the warmer months and causes an air conditioning effect to emanate from the rocks. Its the perfect end to a challenging hike!

Townshend State Park was another overnight stay during our trip to Vermont. It was such a cool location. The highlight here was listing to baby owls at dusk.

There is not too much of a central downtown area, but there are plenty of roadside establishments for burgers (Kelly’s Snack Shack), booze and ice cream.

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Senaca Lake & Cayuga Lake (Finger Lakes Region NY)

Drive Time: 4-5 hours

Suggested Destination: Watkins Glen & Itaca

Suggested Campground: Watkins Glen State Park Campground

Watkins is at base of Senaca. Ithaca is at base of Cayuga. Cornell in town, restaurants/shops.

Both lakes are surrounded with cider, wine, beer. Dockside bar.

Hiking the glen. Speedway.

Taughannock Falls State Park campground. World famous waterfall

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LIFE AT CONTENT: 2021 Spring Project List

As many homeowners may experience, the list of property maintenance, renovations and upgrades can feel endless. In an effort to address this list, John and I sit in the Great Room each spring and come up with a list of projects to tackle here at Content.

The plans are lofty! We know that we won’t get to everything on the list, but these brainstorming sessions are a great exercise in creating a home that offers new experiences for us and our guests.

First, we review the list from the previous year and see what we didn’t get to. We assess our priorities and budget, and commit to a new set of goals, carrying over the ideas we haven’t tackled yet.

You can check out some of our past spring project posts below:

Interested to know what’s on our list this year? Here’s a sample of what we have planned around Content for the 2021 spring and summer season.

Love Thy Neighbor

The fences that line the perimeter of the property are owned by our neighbors on two sides. If you’ve ever visited Content, you may have been instructed to park along the “old fence”.

As any homeowner knows, the relationships you establish with your neighbors is ever changing. Homes are bought and sold, and maintaining communication with your neighbors requires effort.

Luckily, we love our neighbors!

The “old fence” is actually two wood fences installed back to back, with a wire fence in between. From what we can gather, years before we purchased Content, the previous owner and neighbors never communicated and, instead of discussing the shared property line, just did what they wanted.

After a great chat with our neighbors, we agreed to remove the “old fence” and leave the other fence intact. We’re thrilled and can’t wait for this fresh perspective on the property line.

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“I want to ride my bicycle”

-Queen

Content is located just 1.5 miles from the ocean and we have long encouraged guests of Content to head to the beach on bicycles! We have offered guests a selection of what we refer to as “vintage bikes” of varying age and condition. Truthfully, we’ve never had the budget to upgrade our fleet and have made due with hand-me-down bikes.

It’s been a long term goal (carried over year after year) to upgrade the fleet and we are thrilled to be partnering, as affiliates, with sixthreezero bikes.

Purchasing a bike during and after Covid has been difficult, but we were determined to upgrade this amenity and found just what we needed (IN STOCK) at sixthreezero.

The bikes we purchased are the sixthreezero Around the Block Women's 26" 7 Speed Cruiser Bicycle.

Though the bikes are categorized as {women’s}, we felt the frame function as a unisex design, that both our male and female guests would be comfortable riding. We also chose a fun teal blue and upgraded to the 7 gear style to help guests of varying fitness levels.

Even better, we got free shipping and will receive our bikes via FedEx in less than a week. We can’t wait to add a couple accessories like spoke reflectors, a mesh front basket and lights!

Head to sixthreezero to take their Find Your Perfect Fit quiz, and find out which bicycle suits you best! Or even better, book a suite this summer and enjoy these bikes during your next stay!

Around the Block

Easy-mount step-through frame

2” cruiser tires for smooth stable rides

Rear rack for easy portability

Ideal for casual to uptempo rides across multiple types of terrain

Not intended for high-intensity exercise

SHOP SIXTHREEZERO

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Plantings

If you know anything about John, first and foremost, he’s a naturalist at heart. He loves plants and animals, and here at Content he hones those skills into our landscaping.

When we purchased Content there was hardly any plants or shrubs except for a large Linden tree in the front yard and a ewe brush that covered much of the front of the house.

John made it his goal to create a yardscape including only native plants, or plants that are indigenous to our area and attract local insects and pollinators.

Over the past 7 seasons, we have little by little added perennials to the front façade of the house. Most of the plantings were purchased from a local nursery, Cicconi Farms in Jackson, NJ and this field trip is always accompanied with lunch at Checkers. Ha! I don’t know how that tradition started, but John never passes up an opportunity to eat fast food.

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Gold Curtain Rob

West Elm look alike!

On Amazon for $30

Linen Look Pinch Pleat Curtain

Available on Amazon for $39

Great Room Upgrades

John and I have struggled to agree on window treatments in the Great Room. The space is flanked on all sides with beautiful 40+ pane glass that let in a tremendous amount of natural light, which John loves! I also love the sunlight however wanted to add a bit more privacy to the space, and have been considering roman shades for the past year or so.

I recently decided on these linen curtains and gold curtain rods, which remind me of the West Elm set I love but are half the price. Excited to install them and show you how we compromised to let in the natural light and provide some much needed privacy.

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Room Keys

We’re very excited to elevate our guest room key experience with beautiful brass key tags. We worked with aVintageParcel on Etsy to create these custom tags which nod to Content’s rich history dating all the way back to 1884.

What do you think?

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Ice Machine

Back in 2019, I responded to a Facebook Market place ad for frozen yogurt shop that was closing and selling off all its equipment. From that, we purchased a counter height, commercial ice maker which will be installed in the laundry room.

We have always thought it would be great to offer guests access to ice. Like a real motel! But figuring out a solution that worked within our shred home wasn’t easy.

The ice machine still needs a couple tweaks from our plumber (oh and maybe we should finish the laundry room), but we’re ready to make endless drinks on the rocks ASAP!

What’s on your To-Do list this season? Comment below!