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...

Local Services

The Little Red Truck That Could

‘Ruby Ray’ Rolls Into the Holidays, Bringing Franklin Lakes Together Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Maria Rogers - Tiny Hearts Photography The gleam of a 1955 Ford F-100 in bright red has become a familiar sight around Bergen County each holiday season. Families pile in for photos, kids climb onto the running boards, and parents and photographers capture keepsakes they’ll revisit for years. The truck has a name— Ruby Ray—and a story rooted in family, community and remembrance. ...

Style + Beauty

Cozy, Chic & Ready to Gift

Holiday Finds from Dylann + Grace Boutique Article and Photography by Dylann + Grace Boutique If you’ve got five minutes, you’ve got a great gift. Dylann + Grace Boutique, located at 227 Rock Road in downtown Glen Rock, has already done the sorting—elevated basics, cozy textures and festive finishing touches that feel personal without overthinking. Consider the holiday hunt officially over. Katydid Teddy Bear Coat–$68 Nuzzle up in this fuzzy, furry and oh-so-fluffy cardigan. Complete with a...

Local Services

Holiday Glam, Just a Wink Away

The Ultimate Holiday Lash Set from Deka Lash Upper Saddle River Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Deka Lash Add some extra sparkle to your holiday season with a look that’s effortless and low maintenance. Whether you’re racing from office parties to school concerts or want to roll out of bed photo-ready on Christmas morning, eyelash extensions from Deka Lash Upper Saddle River can streamline your routine—no mascara, no smudging, no flakes. Why lashes help during the holidays ...

Event Planning + Services

Local Magic

Tree lightings, carriage rides and cozy traditions brighten Bergen County small towns. Article by Garden State City Lifestyle | Photography by Demarest Farms, Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Saddle River Holiday magic will light up the streets of Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Upper Saddle River and Saddle River this year. Residents and visitors can enjoy tradition, cheer and community warmth—here’s a guide to the season’s most festive happenings. Allendale’s Winter Warmth Downtown Allendale will soon...

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

Faith in Action

Immaculate Heart Academy students turn compassion into more than 31,000 service hours Article and Photography by AnneMarie Vaughn Service at Immaculate Heart Academy (IHA) is more than a requirement; it is central to the school’s mission. Students regularly put their faith into action by serving the community and ministering to people in need through a wide variety of opportunities. IHA’s Campus Ministry program, led by Emily Ash, Class of 2019, is off to a busy start this year. Ash credits...