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1982 to present- Freelance writer, freelance literary agent and editor. Published in various British and American magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Bergen Record and The Newark Star Ledger. Worked with new writers developing their careers and getting them published in magazines. Freelance editor for numerous publishing projects.
Ongoing contributor to www.allwoodwork.com, a remodeling,gardening/landscaping and hobby website
Helped in editing The Dictionary of French History ( Facts on File Publishers)August 2004.
Wrote and edited articles for Home Effects, an online home remodeling zine. The monthly issues dealt with all aspects of remodeling , decorating as well as gardening and landscaping. Also created their ad campaigns for both the business to business and residential sections
Rewrote Classic Conservatories web page.
Copywriter for AM-Kor Products. Wrote brochures for new products coming into the US from Korea. Also wrote advertising copy and handled product campaigns.
Promoted own company, Hot Fresh Resumes by creating advertising campaign and writing promo. Also wrote resumes and copy letters for clients.
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MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Freelance food critic to The New York Times, wrote about small restaurants in the New York Metro area
- Contributed to The History of French History- wrote various article regarding Gallic events throughout time
- Published in Britain womens; fiction magazine
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MY NEWS:
Evergreens
by Liz Roberts
Mention evergreen to the average person and they’ll instantly think of what belongs in their living room this Christmas. However evergreens come in all shapes and sizes, varying as much as people. They could be as delicate looking as the cream ball or as scary as the firethorn, both considered evergreens. One thing that unites all types is the fact that they last throughout the year without losing their leaves.
Map out your yard before you plant any tree. Do you want your evergreens to be used as a decorative border or a protective fence? Smaller trees look good around a house. These don’t obscure the sun or trap in dampness which can lead to mold. Little evergreens also make a lovely garden screen or border fence. One of the tiniest is the cream ball (Latin name Chamaecyparis pisifiris) which can be used as a hedge or garden border. This is a cousin of the cypress tree looks like a mossy dodge ball growing only on foot during a ten year span.
Another evergreen that would add to any yard is the aucuba japonica. This is a small evergreen primarily used for ornamental hedging. It is similar to the holly bush with plants being divided into males and females. Usually one male is planted, surrounded by a “harem” of five or six female plants. The female is the one that produces decorative but slightly toxic cranberry red berries. Aucuba japonicas can grow anywhere from eight to fifteen feet in height, making them the perfect natural fence. They do require pruning so not to over crowd surrounding trees and shrubs. With this they can be trimmed to a neat six feet to fit into any garden.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you may want to think about planting the Salal evergreen.(Gaultheria shaulon). This is a tree that can grow in moist, acidic loam as well as dry, dusty dirt. It has been relegated to forests for years. However homeowners are now just beginning to recognize its’ beauty as a decorative tree and want it as a vital part of the garden. The Salal has shiny dark leaves along with edible berries which resemble blueberries. Gardeners can harvest these in the fall and they make for tasty syrups and jams. Salal evergreens have to be pruned. They can take up an entire corner if left uncut. Most homeowners let them grow to six feet and then start shaping. They also do well in the shade of other trees, so plant them near taller ones. Salal evergreens can be bought from nurseries or uprooted from the roadside. However nursery bought ones tend to last longer and transplant easier.
Those living in warmer climes, such as Hawaii, southern California or Florida can have their own evergreen, the firethorn bush (Pyrocantha coccinea). This tree is originally from the southern Europe but has been brought to the States where it does thrive. It can do well in colder temperatures as it has overseas since 1629.(although be extremely careful the leaves don’t suffer from leaf burn – a kind of plant frostbite). These evergreens require a great deal of sunlight and dry soil. Too much shade and they can overproduce berries only on the top. This creates a top heavy tree and breaking branches. Plant them in a light, airy area of the backyard. Be very careful when pruning them. The firethorn bush has lethal two to four inch thorns. They make the natural equivalent of a barbed wire fence, perfect for keeping out nosy neighbors. The bush produces edible berries that can be added to homemade jams. They do have to be boiled first to remove the slightly toxic seeds ( the same amount of toxin also found in cherry pits and apple seeds.) Firethorn fruit are rich in vitamin C. Harvest them late in the winters however don’t be surprised if they’re already eaten. Birds love these tart cranberry looking berries as well.
If you live in tropical or warm climates, you can plant your evergreens in December as opposed to waiting til the spring. Remember when planting to dig bowl shaped planting holes. These should be twice as wide as they should be deep. (this is done because evergreens develop what is known as lateral or horizontal roots that could be entangled with neighboring shrubbery or flowers). When filling in remember to add either planting mix or organic compost to the soil.
Most evergreens need to be planted in well drained soil. Water only when the soil becomes dry. Planting them in sun or partial sun is a bonus to them. Most evergreens need only a yearly fertilization for their first five years. Those planted in porous and/or infertile dirt require a bit more nourishment. .Fertilize these on a twice yearly basis. The best time to feed any evergreen is in the early spring when new growths start to appear. Remember to use a plant food that has a timed release fertilizer for gradual feeding. This way your evergreens stay nourished for five to six weeks. Start six inches away from your evergreen’s base, evenly scattering the fertilizer in a six inch wide circle.(this area is known as the “drip zone” – which is where water drips down from the tree leaves.) Cover up soil with a two to three inch layer of pine needles and leaves. (or any combination to create an acidic mulch). Test pH levels. The soil around your evergreens should have a pH anywhere between 5.5 to 7.5. If below or over these figures, then adjust with soil additives.
Evergreens are the only trees that add color all year round to your garden. Their bright green leaves and cheery fruit can make a dull winter landscape shine. They come in all shapes and sizes so homeowners have a wide variety to choose from. Best of all they add to the beauty of the yard whether it be winter, summer, spring or fall. They truly are ever green.
Add Flare To Your Rooms (part one of series)
by: Liz Roberts
You want to paint your living room or den but you’re not happy with the traditional painting method of just using a brush or roller.You want something that will make your décor outstanding and memorable. You’re in luck. Interior painting offers a variety of techniques to make even the most boring room look individual and striking. It just takes creativity and patience (no talent needed) to achieve the masterpiece you want.
. Stenciling is fun and lets you create a detail artistic look in no time. You can buy stencils from your home improvement center or even make them on your own using plastic or cardboard. There are also web sites that will allow you to download patterns and will offer both advice and tips. As with any paint job, make sure you start with clean walls. Add a base coat and a light colored paint if you want your stencil work to stand out. There is a neat shadow embossing technique that compliments any traditional living or dining room along with giving that restored villa look. It is done by first stenciling in the entire design. Then slightly shift this stencil upwards about 1/8” of an inch. Load a flexible smoother blade (a device you can buy at your local paint or home improvement store) with a small amount of a tint base. Apply this tint to the wall by laying it flat (like you’re icing a warm cake). Now adjust the blade to a more perpendicular angle to remove excess material from the center portions of the design area. The end result is a centuries old aged look, perfect for complimenting traditional furniture and around tiled fireplaces.
You can also use a variety of colors when stenciling. There is nothing so striking as a wall edged with multihued plants , flowers , vines and ribbons. Remember to use bubble levels and grid rulers when painting any linear design. This ensures an even look for the four walls. Also have good quality Painter’s Tape on hand to firmly attach your stencils in place. This will keep the stencil steady and also prevent it from marring your freshly painted walls. You can also buy stencil spray adhesive which is excellent for larger sized stencils and for corner areas. There is a new product called the stencil roller that lets you apply the same pattern without all the fuss and muss of individual stencils. It works as the same principle as a regular paint roller but with stencils attached to a kind of circular sponge.
Stenciling can also be kept to one wall. You can try one large design in the center of the wall as a conversation piece. A trellis of roses looks romantic in any bedroom or guest room. A wall of fish, for example is a cool and interesting addition to any den or teens’ bedroom. With any stenciling apply a coat of clear varnish over to preserve it.
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, then try faux marbling. This is the perfect way to accent any Italianate or Grecian styled room. Before you begin , familiarize yourself with the many different types of marble there are. Find one that goes with your décor. If you have traditional golden hued wood furniture then marble your walls to mimic a buttery hued Cremo Delicato a form of Carrera marble. More sophisticated tastes? Go with the traditional grey, black and white tones of Onyx White or Verzino. The website www.graniteland.com has an entire list and pictures of marble from all over the world. Go to the website, print out colors you think would look good and place them next to your wall. Whatever is the best, then go for that type of color and vein.
Again start with clean walls. You should have three colors of satin finish latex paint ,along with veining paint and glazes. Keep the colors dark to light in the same color family. Use the darkest (you may want to try the reverse depending upon the look you’re imitating) color as your walls’ base coat. Let this dry overnight. Open the rooms’ door for better ventilation. Now using a feather or small brush dip into the veining paint. Dab any excess onto a nearby paper plate. Working in a 3’ by 3’ area, gently skim your wall’s surface with the feather. Do this in the direction you have chosen for the pattern flow. Remember , as with natural marble, veins should be irregular in width, length and even hue. Use all the paint on your feather for a more natural appearance before refilling it . Now you can smudge the veins with a 2” paintbrush, lightly brushing along the diagonal pattern to remove any excess paint. If you want you can add a second color of veining to provide more contrast. Repeat this for the entire wall. Clean or replace your feather if it becomes too loaded with paint. To add small dots or pebbles. lightly dip your paintbrush into the darkest paint and employ the spattering technique. For this you’ll use a small knife, running it along the edge letting paint droplets fly onto the wall.. Try not to spatter paint in your face and hair. Allow veins and pebbles to completely dry. Now add a coat of varnish and let that thoroughly dry.
Finish off your marbling with a glaze, Wearing household rubber gloves to protect your hands, dip a regular sponge into one color of glaze , Remember the top is the most prominent so save the darkest glaze for last. Occasionally dab your sponge over the entire area, following the flow of the veins. Leave a second space between the first and second rows , kind of like a school of fish V pattern. You can also overlap the rows in areas but leave spaces where the base coat shows. Now repeating the above steps, using a second glaze color, fill in between the diagonal lines. The base coat still should be showing through in some areas. Overlap the first and second glazes in a few spots to create a third color.
Lightly dip a damp sea sponge in the lightest pure paint. Randomly dab over the entire area. Now dip a fresh sea sponge in the darkest glaze and again randomly dab over the entire area. Add a layer or two of poly urethane to protect your work..
Try different painting techniques, instead of the traditionasl to add flair to your rooms. You can create a homespun stencil pattern for a cozy touch.. If that doesn't grab you, then try marbling for a sophisticated sleek look. Either way you’ll have a masterpiece that will add life to any living room den or bedroom. It’s easy to work with flair!
QUICK BITE/Lodi; (Homeland) Security Blanket
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By LIZ ROBERTS
Published: December 25, 2005
Trattoria Napoli here takes you back to your nonna's kitchen. This small pizzeria does have all kinds of pizzas, from the hip Hawaiian to thick, traditional slices buried in tomatoes, garlic and onions. But the chef, John Iocovo, along with his mother-in-law (and the trattoria's owner), Dora Panicucci, also cook up dishes that are like a security blanket for the palate.
Napoli features the golden, softball-size arancini (or rice balls) that have a surprise filling of ground beef and mozzarella. Have them plain or with a piping hot bowl of fresh tomato sauce.
Another treat are the stuffed artichokes, already huge, but made enormous with a generous stuffing of Parmesan, bread crumbs and garlic. Put off by them? Then try the potato croquettes, delicately fried mounds of mashed potatoes and herbs, swathed in a golden bread-crumb coat. With these, you can have two and not feel overstuffed (although, to be honest, you cannot stop at just two).
Trattoria Napoli also serves terrific freshly made soups that anyone's grandmother would envy. These include pasta e fagioli, a thick, creamy bean soup; minestrone, the-old fashioned kind with five different vegetables in it; and tortellini and broth, which holds so much cheese tortellini that it should be eaten with a fork. The pizzeria also offers pasta dishes straight out of ''Under the Tuscan Sun.''
There is also the buttery pasta con burro, rarely served here in the United States, along with the homey combination of eggplant and pasta. Italian-American favorites are featured as well, like penne with vodka and fettuccine Alfredo. Meats are also on the menu. You can get chicken, fish and veal plates along with a salad and a side of pasta. Lunchtime features an ever-changing slate of specials. One day you can have homemade soup and a slice, the next a hot sausage sub. LIZ ROBERTS
Trattoria Napoli, 25-2 Washington Street, Lodi; (973) 473-5721.
QUICK BITE: Union; Make That a Double
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By LIZ ROBERTS
Published: June 19, 2005
The Galloping Hill Grill is not just a restaurant and home to esteemed hot dogs, it's also a landmark. It has served up dogs and burgers for more than 80 years, and these days is decorated like a 1930's roadhouse. Popeye's buddy Wimpy wouldn't feel out of place in its friendly, noisy atmosphere.
The grill started as a mere roadside cart, but grew into a full restaurant, complete with a breezy outdoor porch and take-out window. The grill has had only three owners, the latest being George and James Thomas, who also own the Galloping Hill Inn next door. The grill has some celebrity cred as well. The actor Ray Liotta, a hometown boy, comes here when he visits his father, and another loyal customer, Al Roker, featured it in his ''On the Road'' television series in 2002.
History and deflected Hollywood glamour aside, the Galloping Hill Grill is also known for good, unpretentious food. Diners can get everything from veggie burgers to chicken teriyaki, but hot dogs are the grill's specialty. You can get them plain or with toppings. Locals favor the double hot dog: two wieners, one roll. The burgers range from a cheesburger with the works, to an austere turkey burger. Fries come plain or waffled, either sprinkled with seasonings or drenched in melted cheddar.
Another grill treat is the birch beer. No meal is complete without a tall glass of it. Regular beer is also served.
The Galloping Hill Grill also sells Italian ice at its take-out window. But be warned: That window is packed on Friday nights in the summer. If you're hungering for a double-dog and a birch beer, arrive early or be prepared to stand for a while. Liz Roberts
Galloping Hill Grill, 325 Chestnut Street, Union; (908)686-2683.
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MY RESIDENCE INFO:
City: Saddle Brook
State/Country: New Jersey
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