Life + Culture

Raising Strong Little Ladies

What Becoming a Girl Mom Has Taught Me Article and Photography by Felisha Lynch For the first five years of motherhood, I was a full-on boy mom. Three little boys in three years. Dirt, superheroes, endless energy, and a house that constantly sounded like someone was jumping off furniture—I loved every second of it! But if I’m being honest, I’ve always hoped that one day we’d have a girl (or two, hehe). When we got pregnant with our fourth baby, we did a gender reveal. I had convinced myself...

Life + Culture

Pass the Crown Around

Sue Vorcheimer's mission where WOMEN are the main event Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by @_socialjack_ International Women's Day has been celebrated annually for over one hundred years. The earliest version in New York City was observed in 1909 and has since evolved into a worldwide event that promotes equality and brings to light injustices against women In its modern form, people all over the world gather on March 8th to bring notable women to the forefront and show younger...

Health + Wellness

Helping Mothers Thrive Together

Partnership for Maternal and Child Health helps mothers find support, connection, and hope Article by Judy Marano | Photography by Supplied by Partnership for Maternal & Child Health Parenting is hard. Having a child can be incredibly isolating as your life revolves around this new tiny human. The good news is that the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, a not-for-profit serving Northern NJ, is here to help. Their dedicated team works with all birthing hospitals...

Food + Beverage

A Life Baked Sweet

Sweet Melissa's journey—from baking in Haiti to Michelin-star kitchens proving passion can rise anywhere. Article by Nikki Blanche | Photography by Donna Fisk Pastry chef Melissa Camacho, once featured on Top Chef: Just Desserts , shares a slice of her day and her journey. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, she started out baking treats for classmates. Limited by the constraints of industry in Haiti, Melissa had a different plan for herself when she arrived in Manhattan, preparing to earn a...

Food + Beverage

Lemon Cake with Strawberry Glaze

Article by Melissa Camacho | Photography by Donna Fisk Want a one-bowl recipe that is kid-friendly and will spoil mom on Mother’s Day? Melissa Camacho, owner of Sweet Melissa Bakeshop (and mother of two), has you covered. For the cake: ·       ½ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt ·       1 cup granulated sugar ·       3 large eggs ·       1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ·       2 teaspoons baking powder ·       ½ teaspoon salt ·       grated lemon zest from 1 medium-sized lemon ·      ...

Life + Culture

Investing in What Lasts

How We Turn Time Into Our Greatest Investment Article and Photography by Felisha Lynch When most people talk about investing, they mean money. Numbers. Plans for the future. But the most important investment we make as a family every year has nothing to do with a bank account. We invest in time! Life at home is busy in the way only a house with five kids can be. School schedules, sports practices, dinners, laundry, and the constant feeling of moving from one thing straight into the next...

Finance + Legal Services

Smart Finances At Any Age

As you evolve through different life-stages, so do your financial needs Article by Kyle Kaiser I am Kyle, a Financial Advisor at Newroads Financial Group. Growing up, jargon money terms that were thrown around made me as confused as a chameleon in a bag of Skittles. The day when it would all make sense to me felt out of reach. A required high school investments class, however, left me ravenous for more knowledge on these wide-ranging topics. Now, when guiding individuals through different life...

Food + Beverage

Protein-Packed Ranch Chicken Bowl

Recipe by Chef Robert Parlegreco, the Dining Services Coordinator at Sunrise of Mountain Lakes Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by Chef Robert Parlegreco We love bringing you monthly recipes, whether it’s a celebratory cocktail or a hearty meal you can share with family. When seeking delicious dining options, would you consider a senior living facility? We wouldn’t either. But Sunrise at Mountain Lakes isn’t your ordinary place, and Robert Parlegreco isn’t your everyday chef. Chef...

Finance + Legal Services

Refresh Your Financial Game Plan

Financial Advisor Scott Doyle on why tax season is more than a return—it's a reset Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by Donna Fisk Don’t you just love a good New Year’s resolution? The clock strikes midnight, and it’s the opportunity for a whole new you. A surge in investment for whatever kind of wellness you’re seeking. But alas, we all know these great intentions don’t last. There’s even a new term called “Quitter’s Day” reserved for the second Friday in January. With the death of our...

Education

Investing In Beauty

Salon owner Luana Stavar finds that investing in her Team has beautiful results Article by Lisa Kintish | Photography by Provided by La Vida Salon Luana Stavar didn’t just want to open a salon; she wanted to change salon culture. Reimagining the very method in which she learned her craft, the owner of La Vida Salon in East Hanover was determined to let her stylists shine by offering them a hands-on education. She knew with the right kind of investment, they would flourish. Recalling her early...