Life + Culture

Sipping, Smiling and La Dolce Vita

Upper Saddle River Garden Club’s Year-End Celebration Brings Italian Charm Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Sheryl Romano The Upper Saddle River Garden Club, dedicated to beautifying our town and schools while promoting environmental education, also supports scholarships for the next generation of gardeners and environmentalists. Partnering with local schools, businesses, and organizations, the club strives to enrich the entire community. Membership dues, donations, and fundraising...

Food + Beverage

October is Garden State City Lifestyle Restaurant Month!

Explore New Jersey's Best Bites: Exclusive October Offers, Chef Specials, and Culinary Surprises Await Article by Garden State City Lifestyle | Photography by Michael Lago, Liz Polo - My Havanna Photography It’s our first annual Garden State City Lifestyle Restaurant Month, and we’ve partnered with top New Jersey restaurants to bring exclusive specials to you throughout October. From fine dining to casual bites, these offers are our treat to you. Visit any of these featured establishments...

Food + Beverage

Garden State Harvest

Risotto with Butternut Squash, Sage & Crispy Pancetta Article and Photography by Garden State City Lifestyle There’s something magical about fall in New Jersey. The air turns crisp, the boardwalk crowds fade, and the landscape transforms into a patchwork of deep reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges. Farmers’ markets brim with fresh-picked squash, apples, and herbs, making it the perfect time to create dishes that warm the heart and highlight our state’s seasonal bounty. This Garden State...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of Home

From Brooklyn to Bergen: Chef Fabian’s Culinary Journey Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Chef Fabian Taliercio, Rich Silivanch When you meet Chef Fabian Taliercio, it’s clear you’re talking to someone who isn’t just passionate about food—he’s steeped in it. Raised in Brooklyn, Fabian grew up surrounded by the aromas of his father’s 30-year-old Italian restaurant, where the art of hospitality was as essential as the dishes themselves. “I started cooking when I was about 15,” he...

Health + Wellness

Food - Pure Universal Medicine

Exploring the ancient wisdom, natural energy, and healing potential hidden in every bite we take Article and Photography by Allison K. Lim We eat three square meals a day, with some snacks in between. Our celebrations are centered around food, with the kitchen being the meeting place for casual and formal dinners alike. As a society, we've put food on a pedestal. But do you really know what you're eating? Between conventionally grown, genetically modified produce treated with chemical...

Food + Beverage

Song’ E Napule

A Taste of Naples in Downtown Rutherford Article and Photography by Brian Cicioni Song’E Napule sits in the heart of Rutherford’s main commercial strip, a half-mile stretch between the NJ Transit station and Lincoln Park. Though the area has no shortage of Italian eateries, this one is distinct: it’s authentically Neapolitan. Its name translates to “I am from Naples” in the local dialect. Neapolitan isn’t just a label here. Owner Ciro Iovine grew up in Fuorigrotta, a suburb of Naples, began...

Travel

Fall in Love With Cape Cod at Ocean Edge Resort

Experience timeless New England charm, coastal luxury, and unforgettable adventures at Cape Cod’s Ocean Edge Resort. Article by Nicholas Hall - Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Writer | Photography by Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club As Patti Page’s classic tune suggests, “If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air…You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod.” We can confirm the Cape delivers on all counts — from winding roads to lobster stew, offering something for everyone. If you’re wondering...

Health + Wellness

Spotlight on Care

A Conversation with Dr. Stacy Ugras, Breast Surgical Oncologist Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Stacy Ugras, MD, FACS For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Dr. Stacy Ugras, founder of Bergen Breast and Wellness Center, about her path to medicine, patient-first care, and what every woman should be asking her doctor. Q: What inspired you to specialize in breast surgical oncology? I've always been drawn to the biology of cancer and the meaningful relationships that...

Life + Culture

Ivy Harrington

Miss New Jersey USA 2025 shows it’s never too late to shine. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jessielyn Palumbo, Carlos Velez, Anthony M. Gomes When Ivy Harrington was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025, she didn’t just claim a title—she affirmed a journey. At 30 years old, Harrington made history as the oldest titleholder the state has ever crowned, and with it, she’s redefining the narrative around beauty, purpose, and perseverance. But for Harrington, the victory is just one...

Local Services

Designing the Dance of Joy

A Young Man’s Journey from Crayon to Couture Article by Hilary Russo | Photography by Elif Hajaluga At 26 years old, Michael Sun speaks through color and creativity. A local young man with Down syndrome, his quiet spirit shines in vibrant crayon strokes and elaborate sketches — especially of gowns. His drawings reflect an imagination full of elegance and joy. One of those sketches is now more than art. It’s a symbol of healing, resilience and the power of community. In 2020, the COVID-19...