Food + Beverage

Jersey Artisan Co.

Owner Sal Pisani brings a taste of his Southern Italian roots to Morris Plains Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by Donna Fisk Something special is growing in Morris Plains. It’s called Jersey Artisan Co., and it’s the passion of 34-year-old Sal Pisani that has brought it to life. It’s his new café that ties together a lifelong mission to share his Southern Italian roots with the community. Like most parents, Sal’s father taught him family traditions in hopes that he’d carry them on to...

Local Services

My DO Not Disturb

The place that fills me up so I can pour into my family Article and Photography by Felisha Lynch If you’re a mom, you get it. Someone always needs something the second you even think about doing something for yourself. For a long time, taking time for me felt impossible. Five kids, sports, school, dinner, life. I kept saying I’d get back into a routine “when things slowed down,” which is funny because nothing has slowed down since 2015! Then I found Jane DO in Cedar Knolls, and something...

Local Services

The I'm Possible Cafe

Serving up coffee and smiles in Pine Brook Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by Joe Rude Any café can serve up a cup of coffee. But what if your morning brew came with a genuine smile?  What if that small purchase changed the life of the person serving it to you? That’s not only possible, but it’s I’m Possible. The I’m Possible Café in Pine Brook is the dream of Joe and Paulette Rude. Their son, Garrett, has Down Syndrome. They wanted to create a place where kids, like Garrett, who have...

Home + Design

Creative Blooms For Anyone You Love

Elvis Mansilla of Lola’s Floral Boutique inspires Valentine’s Day gifting that goes beyond red roses Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by Donna Fisk A special flower shop is blooming in Montville. Lola’s Floral Boutique, owned by Elvis Mansilla and John Kohut, combines a unique aesthetic with timeless, beautiful design. Whether it’s centerpieces for a Sweet 16, specialized arches for a backyard party, or elegant wedding florals, Elvis puts his personal touch on all of his work. “I make...

Beauty

Artim Studio Restoring Beauty

Upscale salon in East Hanover blends artistry with historic renovation Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by Craig Toron If you look up the Latin definition of the word Artim, it means “work of art.” And that’s what salon owner Lucia Artimova is creating every day. As her name implies, it’s who she was born to be. “My father was a barber, and not that I even grew up watching my father, but something drew me to it,” she explained. It’s that intuition that seems to lead her to each success...

Food + Beverage

Sticky Date Pudding with Warm Toffee Sauce

Provided by Food Company Catering & Special Events in East Hanover Article by Brian Bagrier | Photography by Bite Size Studio Makes 4–6 individual puddings Toffee Sauce 1½ cups heavy cream ½ cup dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons molasses Pinch of salt Pudding 4½ oz pitted dates, roughly chopped ¾ cup water ¾ teaspoon baking soda 1 cup all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt 3 tablespoons unsalted...

Health + Wellness

How We Ended Snack Wars

What happened when we served dinner early and finally got our sanity back! Article and Photography by Felisha Lynch Every day used to be the same. Five hungry kids running through the door yelling, “I’m starving!” before their backpacks even hit the floor. By the time I turned around, the pantry looked like it had been robbed. Crackers gone, granola bar wrappers everywhere, and nobody even wanted dinner anymore! One day, I realized they weren’t being dramatic. They were just  actually hungry...

Health + Wellness

Start Your Teen Off Right This Year

Practical tips to guide your teen toward healthy conversations Article by Judy Marano, College Professor/Counselor It probably does not come as a shock that gym memberships increase by over 20% in January. "New year, new you" is most likely the cause. But as parents, we not only need to take care of ourselves, but we also need to help our kids find the better version of themselves. The new year is an ideal time to start developing better habits. The jury is still out as to whether it takes 66...

Fitness

At Home with Natalie Grabow

How an IRONMAN Champion has kept superior mobility into her senior years—and you can too! Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by Donna Fisk Ever heard of the IRONMAN? I bet you have. Just saying the name sounds intimidating. It’s a triathlon held about 40 times per year worldwide. Participants need to swim 2.4 miles, complete a 112-mile bike ride, and follow all that up with a 26.2-mile run. That’s right, a MARATHON. The goal is to finish all 140.6 miles in under 17 hours. If you know...

Health + Wellness

Simple Swaps for a Healthier Home

Making small changes can have a big impact on your home and the environment Article by Alison Lukin | Photography by Donna Fisk A new year certainly warrants a new you—doesn’t it? With all of our resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more, we often forget the place where our health journey starts. The home. Eco-warrior Liz Loranger is the owner of Bear Minimum on Main Street in Boonton. It’s a haven for healthy home and self-care products, not to mention a refillery. Whether you’re...