Franks brings back memories. I grew up in Holmdel and there was once a Frank’s Garden Center on the northbound side of Rt35 in nearby Hazlet. It was closed and subsequently abandoned lot for as long as I can remember: mid/late 80s through maybe the late 00s? I think it’s a Lidl now.

We went to Rickel in Hazlet when I was a kid. To this day, my father slips about half the time by saying he has to go to “Rickels” when he means he’s going to Home Depot.

There’s nothing wrong with maintaining a budget or not wanting to spend the money on something you think is overpriced. But if you know that’s not the going rate, don’t expect to find it.

For the record: your budget of $200 is barely even a friend/family rate. “I’m operating on a budget” is a great way to have photographers avoid working with you.

Wedding photography is expensive, yes. That has been true for a long time. It’s fulfilling, but exhausting work. But most reasonable wedding photographers will credit an engagement session towards the wedding booking.

My advice: don’t spend money on photographing the proposal. Ask a friend / family member to do it. Keep it low key. Then talk with your future fiancé/SO and hire a wedding photographer (together) for a proper engagement session that both of you can prepare for together. I’m sure your partner will appreciate being involved instead of having a surprise photoshoot sprung on them.

Good luck!

Thank you for the info- what a great deep dive. I was ignorant to all the services they already provide and what they can still approve upon.

Tool Libraries exist and fantastic resources, but I don’t know if any good ones in NJ. I would love to find one!

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the library system in NJ seems like a pretty well-run system. No? Other than higher pay for librarians, what else can be improved upon?

Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese with salt, pepper, ketchup on an everything bagel (not toasted).

If I’m feeling fancy: add a slice of tomato.

If I’m feeling like a slob: add a slice of hash brown.

Absolutely. If it’s not necessary right now, the gas fireplace insert is something to take your time with and form a plan. It’s easy to get ahead of yourself with owning a home. And I say that as someone with lots of half finished (big) projects around my house.

Shop around for the right fixture, shop around for contractors. Take your time, develop relationships. These electricians, plumbers, etc. can be people you can call on for emergencies and larger projects as they present themselves. You can also join local FB groups for recommendations for local contractors. Or ask neighbors.

If you plan to move forward with this: start with a more thorough inspection of the fireplace and chimney and go from there.

Then get an estimate for a plumber to run a gas line. But explain that you don’t have the appliance/fixture yet so it might be tricky to know where inside your fireplace needs to be installed. Every insert is different.

Like you said: I’d use the money you have to furnish the home, etc. There’s no rush to get a gas insert installed if your traditional heating system works. I would recommend you use that and see how this winter fares.

For the record: a lot of people that have wood-burning fireplaces never use them so I assume you have a traditional heating system works fine and can keep you warm during your first winter.

Good luck!

Generally considered one of the best states for public schools, nationally. But within the state it really depends on the town.

I’ll echo what others said: there may have been a cursory fireplace / chimney report included with your home inspection if you had one. But a detailed inspection of the chimney is usually done by a specialist.

If it’s determined it’s in good working order I’d suggest living with it for a while and see how it effects the heat in your home. Running a wood-burning fireplace usually sucks heat OUT of the rest of your house, requiring your conventional heating system to work slightly harder. But some people like traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

For reference: we installed a gas fireplace on an empty wall about 5 years ago. It’s a slightly different process installing gas fireplace from scratch vs as a gas insert in a wood fireplace. But the same idea applies: buying a new appliance for your home that needs plumbing and electrical work to connect the unit. In my case I also needed venting, carpentry for a surround/enclosure, etc. I did all the work myself as part of a larger renovation.

Please note that if you choose to have an insert installed: I would suggest hiring a fireplace contractor. There are many fireplace showrooms that sell a variety of units, but they primarily make their money contracting out the work to install the units. They can help you from start to finish, including handling permits with your town.

If you’re in / near Monmouth County I bought my fireplace from East Coast Energy in West long Branch, NJ. They have a huge showroom with different options and were easy to work with (others ranged from indifferent / unhelpful to downright rude.)

FYI my fireplace components costs $3,500 in 2017 but got quotes well over $12k from various places for the full install. I can’t even imagine what they cost now with every thing getting more expensive in recent years. I was installed it myself - and it took a while - but I saved a lot that way. Not everyone is set up for that, but just know these places make money on contracting out the trades (electrical for starter, plumbing for gas line, etc.)

Good luck and welcome to NJ!

Damn, Reddit is wild. That’s down the street from my house. But about… 30 years ago from the looks of those cars. Elm and East Broad St, Westfield NJ.

It’s currently a mix of chain stores and mom-and-pop businesses. There’s an Urban Outfitters is on the corner (out of frame) and a shoe store on the corner with the turret / pulpit looking thing above.

I’m not as familiar with Septa, but I pieced this together via a quick Google Maps and NJTransit app search:

[based on 12/23 @ 8am departure]:

1. Newark DE to Philly 30th (via Septa Wilmington/Newark Line):

9:04am - 10:12am (1hr, 8min) @ $8.00 fare

2. Philly 30th St to NYPenn (via Septa/NJTransit switching at Trenton):

10:39am - 1:22pm (2hr, 43min): $26.00 fare

I don’t believe there’s a quicker way to get to NYC via train without Amtrak. It depends what you prioritize. The route above is $34 and almost 4.5 hrs (assuming there aren’t any delays between the many stations).

[for comparison: also based on 12/23)

1. Newark DE to NYPenn (via Amtrak 134 Northeast Regional):

4:52pm - 6:58pm (2hrs, 6min): $104.00 fare

Note: only one seat available at this price at the time of writing. Others times are available for $166.

I’m not sure if that helps. But for my money, a direct train is always easiest if that option exists. I can see how the price is significantly higher for Amtrak, but Septa and NJTransit can be very confusing if you’re not familiar and/or switching between multiple stations.

Good luck and safe travels!

Rt78 East in the morning (glare), Rt22 (mostly in Union around the islands), and Rt287 always, in both directions.