Wellness

Stress Less and Keep Peace at the Holiday Table

A Trauma-Informed Take on Healthy Boundaries That Actually Stick Article by Hilary Russo Let’s face it—you can’t pour from an empty cup. And if you’ve ever tried, you know it usually ends with resentment, exhaustion or eating three extra slices of pie just to cope. As a trauma-informed holistic mental health practitioner (and someone who’s heard every family dinner horror story imaginable), I can tell you this: Setting healthy boundaries during the holidays isn’t selfish—it’s science...

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...

Travel

A Cape May Christmas

Spend a magical long weekend in one of America’s top Christmas towns, just two hours from Somerset County Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Cape May Tourism Outside of the North Pole, there is one destination that simply lives the Christmas Spirit — and it’s in New Jersey, just a little over two hours from where you live.  Anyone who has visited the Victorian wonderland that is Cape May can understand how beautiful the historic homes embellished with intricately carved “gingerbread”...

Life + Culture

A Season of Enchantment

New Jersey Ballet’s “Nutcracker” Returns to bergenPAC for a Holiday Tradition Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by New Jersey Ballet The holiday season in Bergen County wouldn’t be complete without the magic of “The Nutcracker,” and this December, New Jersey Ballet brings its cherished production back to bergenPAC for a weekend of enchantment. Performances will be held at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets range from $35 to $65 and are on sale now through the...