Food + Beverage

Sprinkle Joy: Holiday Sugar Cookies to Share the Cheer

A sweet family recipe perfect for gifting, snacking, and spreading holiday magic! Article and Photography by Garden State City Lifestyle The holidays are all about togetherness, laughter and a little sugar-induced happiness. Few things capture that spirit better than baking cookies, filling the house with irresistible aromas and sharing sweet treats with neighbors, friends and family. These festive sugar cookies are soft, chewy and covered in colorful sprinkles — perfect for gift-giving or...

Local Services

Feeling the Music

Immaculata teen earns a patent at 16 with a music-inspired invention for the deaf and hard of hearing Article by Lauren Lovallo | Photography by Liz Polo - Havana Photography Most teenagers can’t say they earned a patent by 16. Then again, Jack Falcone, a Martinsville resident, isn’t like most teens. The Immaculata High School student has a knack for the extraordinary, driven by a desire to make the world better. In July, Falcone was granted a U.S. patent for the Sound Glove , a wearable...

Entertainment

Holiday Gift Guide

Thoughtful finds for everyone on your holiday list Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Michael Lago, Roman Jewelers, Havana Photography, K9 Resorts From culinary adventures to sparkling keepsakes — and experiences for every family member (pets included) — these picks bring joy long after the wrapping paper is gone. Piatto Di Pasta Pasta-Making Class — Give the gift of flavor with an expert-led experience hosted by Chef Bill. Choose from hands-on sessions like stuffed pasta...

Health + Wellness

The Art of Saying No

Protecting Your Energy This Holiday Season Article by Cara Zamorski, HWC, HN The holidays sparkle with joy, connection and tradition. But behind the twinkling lights and social soirées, many of us feel a quieter undercurrent — pressure, obligation and emotional exhaustion. From endless gatherings to the stress of gift-giving, it’s easy to find yourself running on empty by mid-December. The truth is, the most meaningful holiday season doesn’t come from doing it all — it comes from showing up...

Travel

A Very Boston Holiday

Pack the car, grab your besties, and let the no fuss weekend unfold. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by InterContinental Boston Want the weekend escape without dealing with the airport? Forget TSA lines and lost luggage — this trip is trunk-packed, playlist-ready and friendship-fueled. For us, the perfect girls’ getaway was Boston — a drive-in, park-it escape with waterfront views, spa time we could actually sneak away to and dinner just an elevator ride from our room. Friday...

Travel

The Pines at Lake Naomi

A Cozy, Design-Forward Escape in the Poconos Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Nagle Media Co. & Real Tour Pilot Bridgewater couple Chris and Gina McDonnell have turned their passion for thoughtful design and low-key adventure into a nearby getaway that feels both polished and personal. The Pines at Lake Naomi, their newly renovated three-bedroom, 1½-bath cabin in Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania, sleeps six and pairs warm cabin textures with clean, modern updates—ideal for families or...

Local Services

Generations of Holiday Cheer

The Peterson Family Christmas Tree Farm Tradition Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Peterson Farm The Peterson family loves being part of family traditions — and memories. As the owners of Peterson Farm in Flemington, John Peterson Jr., his son, Matthew, and grandson, Jake, have spent decades watching families select their perfect Christmas trees year after year. “I’ve seen families coming out year after year as a tradition. People come as little kids and are still coming with their...

Home Services

A Smart New Space for Somerset County: Cabinet IQ of Bridgewater Prepares for Its Grand Opening

I’m excited to share an update on something we’ve been working hard on behind the scenes: our brand-new Cabinet IQ of Bridgewater showroom in Green Brook, NJ. Construction is officially well underway, and displays will begin arriving over the next few weeks. If all goes according to plan, we’re aiming for a soft grand opening in late 2025 — and I truly can’t wait to welcome you in.Even though the space is still under construction, our design team is fully operational. We’re actively helping...

Entertainment

A Front Row Look at the Barefoot Country Music Fest

Wildwood, NJ Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by David Surks Garden State City Lifestyle was grateful to have a front-row view on Wildwood’s iconic beach at the 2025 Barefoot Country Music Fest — and it did not disappoint. Held June 19–22, the four-day celebration drew thousands of fans from across the nation to sing, dance and soak in coastal vibes. Headliners included Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts and Jordan Davis, with more than 40 additional artists...

Life + Culture

Grateful Hearts, Wagging Tails

K9 Resorts Hillsborough’s Ongoing Commitment to Dogs in Need Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Tom Solymosi When Luca Blessent first opened the doors to K9 Resorts Hillsborough, he envisioned more than just a premier boarding and daycare facility. He imagined a place where every dog — from family pets to rescues awaiting their forever homes — could feel safe, cared for, and loved. That mission has only grown stronger in the years since. Blessent, who owns the Hillsborough location...