Style + Beauty

Shining in the Spotlight

A Taylor Swift-Inspired Confidence Boost Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by MuSen Photos by Karen Kwong Photography has the power to tell a story, and for Karen Kwong, it’s a tool for inspiring confidence in young girls. As the owner of Photography by MuSen, LLC, Kwong is on a mission to help girls find their voices through creative expression. One of her recent projects with our Publishers Daughters, a Taylor Swift-inspired photo shoot, was part of a national effort to celebrate...

Beauty

Curls, Confidence, and Community

How Hairitage Hair Lounge is Changing the Hair Game Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Dale Uborka and Jillian Spencer At Hairitage Hair Lounge, curls aren’t just styled—they’re celebrated. For owner Jessa Colon, every strand tells a story, and she’s on a mission to make sure curly-haired clients leave her salon feeling empowered, educated, and, most importantly, seen. Born in Puerto Rico and later moving to New Jersey, Colon was surrounded by a variety of hair textures, from sleek...

Style + Beauty

Crowning Confidence

Gina Mellish's Mission is Empowering Women to Find Their Voice—On and Off the Stage Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jessielyn Palumbo Gina Mellish, crowned Miss New Jersey USA in 2020, didn’t have the typical pageant queen upbringing. In fact, she grew up as a self-described tomboy in Oceanport, NJ, and had no idea what the world of pageantry even looked like. Fast forward to today, and Mellish is not only a former titleholder but also an inspirational coach who has helped young...

Event Planning + Services

From Wildflowers to Florals

How House of Blooms Blossomed into a Business of Empowerment and Art Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Liz Polo - My Havana Photography On a warm summer afternoon, Lucy Sandler was captivated by the beauty of nature as she picked wildflowers for her mother. The colors and textures of the blooms left a lasting impression on her young heart. Dana Kane, meanwhile, found herself more focused on searching for four-leaf clovers and dandelions in the outfield during softball games rather...

Food + Beverage

Flounder, Flavor, and a Little Facebook Detox

Sautéed Flounder with Pine Nut Butter & Spicy Garlic Spinach Article and Photography by Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet I’m sorry, did you say you have no time to cook... but just spent the last two hours Facebook stalking your high school classmates? Stop scrolling your phone and let’s get in the kitchen to start living. This delicious recipe comes from Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet , where fresh, high-quality seafood meets incredible flavors. Ingredients For the Flounder: 4...

Sports + Recreation

Breaking Barriers

Tracy Sandler on Women in Sports and Changing the Game Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Tracy Sandler Tracy Sandler has built a career that seamlessly fuses sports journalism, fandom, and female empowerment. As the founder of Fangirl Sports Network, she has carved out a space in the male-dominated sports industry, proving that women can not only be passionate sports fans but also shape the conversation around the game. While her roots are in Los Angeles and her day-to-day coverage...

Fitness

Life in the Fast Lane

Meet Joe Saling: A Lifetime Devoted to the Tour of Somerville and the Sport of Cycling Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Joe Saling Joe Saling’s journey into the world of competitive cycling began in 1953 with a rainy afternoon in Somerville. Drawn by the excitement of the annual Tour of Somerville and the promise of a new Chevrolet for the winner, a teenage Saling found himself captivated by the sport. By 1956, he had stepped into a bike shop, eager to race. A used frame and a job...

Life + Culture

Get Ready for the 2025 Doggy Cover Contest!

Is Your Pup the Next Cover Star? Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jackie Korn - Korn Dogs Does your furry friend have what it takes to be our next cover star? Stay tuned for the launch of our highly anticipated Doggy Cover Contest, where your pup could be featured on the front of our magazine! Last year’s Doggy Cover contest brought an overwhelming number of adorable entries, making it a tough decision for our readers. Which makes us even more excited to announce that this year we...

Fitness

Building Strength and Overcoming Obstacles

Abby Clark’s America Ninja Warrior Story Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Michael Lago and Abby Clark Bedminster resident, Abby Clark, had just graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts when her athletic passion—gymnastics—came to an end. She had been a gymnast for two decades, finishing her last four years competing collegiately and winning the 2015 National Championship on the balance beam. She also competed in track as a hurdler and sprinter for 12 years, finishing her...

Education

Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders

A Conversation with Georgia Zaiser, Head of School at Far Hills Country Day School Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Far Hills Country Day School Marketing and Communications Office, Wesley Spear Photo | Video Investing in the next generation of learners is one of the most important initiatives communities can focus on. Somerset Hills City Lifestyle spoke with Georgia Zaiser, Head of School at Far Hills Country Day School, about how to nurture children's growth, inspire lifelong...