Life + Culture

Strike a Paw-s!

A Star-Studded Casting Call Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by New Jersey City Lifestyle We came. We saw. We wagged! A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to our Northern Highlands   2025 Cover Model Casting Call —and especially to all the fabulous pups who showed up ready for their close-up. The energy, joy, and community spirit on display made this one of our most memorable events yet. This year’s casting call exceeded expectations! With so many adorable, camera-ready...

Life + Culture

Meet Lucy

Northern Highlands’ 2025 Doggy Cover Contest Star Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Stephanie Blum There are dogs who brighten your day—and then there’s Lucy, the 9-year-old Staffordshire Labrador mix who captured our hearts and earned her spot as the winner of our 2025 Northern Highlands Doggy Cover Contest. With her soulful eyes, love for adventure, and sweet, camera-ready face, Lucy is everything we were looking for in a cover model—and so much more. Lucy lives in Bergen County...

Health + Wellness

Holistic Pet Care

Simplicity Is Key Article by Allison Lim Meet Karl and Katrina, joint owners of Wholistic Paws, a one-stop-holistic-pet-shop with storefronts in Ramsey and Ridgewood. On any given day, pet families meander into the shop—with or without their furry friends—to restock their favorite pet foods, treats, and supplements, or simply to ask a question (or two, or three). It turns out that after 15 years of providing counsel, both Karl and Katrina really know their stuff.  Does your dog or cat suffer...

Food + Beverage

Peanut Butter Oat Balls

A Wholesome Snack for Pups and Their Tiny Humans Article by Jane Alzate At Graze Craze of Wyckoff, we absolutely love creating experiences that bring families and their furry companions together. One of our favorite moments during your recent event was seeing kids and pups nibbling happily side by side—whether it was fresh fruits and veggies or our crowd-favorite  peanut butter oat ball treats . These oat balls are not only quick and easy to make, but they’re also wholesome enough for kids ...

Shopping

10 Pet Must-Haves of the Season

Our Favorite Finds From Petzlove Food ’n’ Stuffz in Montvale — Because Your Pet Deserves the Best Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Petzlove Food n’ Stuffz in Montvale ITEM NUMBER 1 Fromm Crunchy O's Smokin' CheesePlosions Dog Treats A blast of cheesy crunch in every bite. These treats are a snacktime essential. $22.99 ITEM NUMBER 2 Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Chicken Au Frommage Cat Food (4-lb) For feline foodies—this gourmet dry blend is rich, savory, and totally...

Health + Wellness

Start with Strides

USR Youth Running Program Builds Confidence, Community Through Movement Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Aidan Walsh What began as a local need has grown into a dynamic youth initiative helping children across Upper Saddle River discover confidence, community and the joy of movement. Founded in 2021 by Aidan Walsh, a former professional runner and head coach at Racefaster, the USR Youth Running Program introduces children to running in a supportive, low-pressure environment. “Our...

Health + Wellness

Raising Resilient Kids

How the Upper Saddle River Youth Guidance Council Is Empowering Kids Through Education, Early Intervention, and Community Support Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Despina Flouras-Anastasopoulos With a strong focus on prevention, education, and community engagement, the Upper Saddle River Youth Guidance Council (USRYGC) continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families. Best known for facilitating the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)...

Arts + Culture

Meet Lori Polson

From Representing Artists to Becoming One Herself Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Lori Polson For more than 25 years, Lori Polson built a career behind the scenes—connecting world-class portrait artists with collectors and clients. Today, she stepped out from behind the curtain and onto the canvas herself. Polson, a Bergen County local and a longtime art director-turned-portrait consultant, began her career at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising Worldwide in New York. Yet it was her...

Life + Culture

A Night to Love Local

Celebrate Community, Connection, and Style at JustHaves Studios Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Michael Lago Northern Highlands City Lifestyle was proud to host an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and community spirit at our Love Local Party  this February. The event was held at the beautiful JustHaves Studios in Paramus, in honor of our February Love Local issue and cover story featuring Justine Santaniello. The evening brought together local business owners...

Travel

A Bahamian Escape

Travel in Luxury with British Colonial Nassau Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by British Colonial Nassau There’s something magical about stepping off a plane and straight into paradise. The warm Bahamian breeze hits you, the sun is shining, and you realize—yep, this is real life. I was lucky enough to be in the Bahamas on a recent editorial travel trip with a group of fellow writers and editors, invited to experience the newly renovated British Colonial Nassau . With over 100 years...