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...

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...

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

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 ·      ...