It all started with one U-Haul, two young adventurers, and a dream for a better life. In 1994 we packed up everything we owned in a 15’ U-Haul and headed West; being “stuck” in our corporate jobs was never an option. We didn’t have a plan; we were going to ski a lot and work hard to make a life for ourselves in the mountains. Our family thought we were crazy. This would be the beginning of our lifelong adventure together – from New Jersey to Colorado and back to New Jersey.
Eileen and Jim Barna, owners of TrueLeaf Kitchens in Basking Ridge, NJ
After enjoying 14 years in Colorado, we moved back East to be near our family again. We started TrueLeaf Kitchens here in Basking Ridge in 2010. We enjoy the freedom and flexibility that owning our own business allows as well as the pleasure we get from making people’s homes more beautiful. The best part is living and working in the same small town and being able to give back to our community.
I think a lot of people right now are feeling stressed because they feel stuck and without a lot of control over or purpose in their lives. What has worked for us to keep from feeling this way is to take risks, to surround ourselves with positive people, and most importantly to not fear change. 
You can start small with your transformation; start with changing your surroundings and making your home your favorite place to be. Some easy tips that you can do this Summer:
Paint – Painting is the least expensive and most effective way to transform a space. Trending colors for 2022 from Benjamin Moore are October Mist, an uplifting sage color, Mysterious, a calming dark navy tone, and Wild Flower, a dusty red color that will warm up any room.
Declutter – Watch a video from Marie Kondo and you will get inspired; trust me there is something spiritual about letting go of things, carefully folding and organizing each item that is worth keeping and having a beautiful sock drawer. Making your space neat and free of clutter will help you feel calmer as soon as you walk in your door.
Add Plants – Bring the outdoors inside with a few easy-to-take-care-of plants like a fluffy Asparagus Fern, vibrant Lady Palm, or a colorful Peperomia. Plants can reduce stress, improve your overall well-being and remove up to 87% of air toxins!
Create Outdoor “Addition” – Don’t want to spend the time or money on an addition, instead step out your back door to see what your life could be like with a spruced-up patio or deck. Just add comfy seating, an outdoor rug, propane heater, weatherproof TV, and some string lights and you will find yourself using that new, cozier outdoor space almost all year round.
Tackle your home and maybe next you’ll tackle something bigger in your life – a new career or healthier lifestyle maybe? It’s time to pack up the things you don’t like and move on to your better life!