Life + Culture

The Black Poster Project

Article by Kris Pepper | Photography by Lisa Ambrose and Kris Pepper Dee Gillen created the Black Poster Project after losing her son, Scott, to an overdose. While preparing for an overdose awareness event in 2019, she felt it would be an impactful visual to have posters of lost loved ones displayed behind the event speakers.  What began with 50 awareness posters is now up to nearly 700. Each poster that enters the display is made at the request of the grieving family at no cost to them. The...

May 2024

Health + Wellness

OHM Fitness

Suit Up and Transform Your Body Article by Kris Pepper | Photography by Jeremy Lebled Strength training for women continues to be an important topic in the health and fitness world. Developing strength can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis as we age. The Hospital for Special Surgery website states, “Strength training builds better bones, keeps joints in proper alignment, helps improve sports performance, and reduces the risk of injury.”   Both women and men who want to...

April 2024

Beauty

Beauty in Balance

Ran Rubenstein, MD Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Article by Kris Pepper | Photography by Charissa H. Yong According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 26.2 million surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures were performed in the United States in 2022, and a 19% increase in cosmetic surgery procedures since 2019. No matter what your thoughts are on plastic surgery, we all can agree that cosmetic treatments that were once best-kept secrets are now...

April 2024

Health + Wellness

Pure Barre

Get Connected to a New Type of Workout! Article by Kris Pepper | Photography by Clara Wang Step inside Pure Barre in Park Ridge, and you’ll get a healthy dose of spirit and energy—before you even set your grippy-socked foot onto the studio floor. The excitement is contagious as people congregate and chat before and after their workouts. Co-owned by Kim Seelig of Park Ridge, Pure Barre offers a full-body, low-impact (yet high-intensity) workout that strengthens and tones muscles while boosting...

April 2024

Beauty

Hello, Beautiful!

Deka Lash Opens in Upper Saddle River Article by Kris Pepper | Photography by Clara Wang Never underestimate the power of fierce lashes and brows. Beautiful eyes add a transformative power to the face, creating a bright, energized appearance that delivers a healthy boost of self-confidence. Newly opened in Upper Saddle River, Deka Lash helps women uncover the most confident and empowered version of themselves through customized lash and brow services and an elevated salon experience. Owners...

April 2024

Real Estate

Victoria Adamo

The Adamo Group Article by The Adamo Group | Photography by DroneHub & Andrea Jamie Storytelling Photography Victoria Adamo embodies the essence of Cher's iconic words, "Mom, I am a Rich Man." Growing up in Old Tappan, Victoria immersed herself in the real estate domain under the tutelage of her father, Attilio Adamo, a seasoned veteran with nearly four decades of experience in the industry. Victoria's formative years were steeped in all things related to real estate, encompassing facets of...

April 2024

Event Planning + Services

Born to Rum

Stephanie Clark Brings the Party to Your Door! Article by Kris Pepper | Photography by Lauren Castiglia Photography & Stephanie Clark We spoke recently with Stephanie Clark of Born to Rum Mobile Bar Co. Her unique business operates as a freelance mobile bar and staffing company, delivering everything you need for your event's bar service. Hosts simply supply the alcohol. Let's get the party started. Is Born to Rum Mobile Bar Co. a Wo man-Owned Business? Yes, I launched it in 2022. What...

April 2024

Health + Wellness

Dr. Carol Chu-Peralta

Center for Resiliency Article by Kris Pepper | Photography by Charissa H. Yong Dr. Carol Chu-Peralta chose a profession in psychology because she has a passion for helping others. The Founder, Clinical Director, and Psychologist of Center for Resiliency watched her parents emigrate to a new country, settle down, and raise their children while working overtime regularly—which profoundly impacted her. “My very first case I was ever assigned was a very young child who had survived several forms...

April 2024

Food + Beverage

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Article and Photography by Gwynn Galvin Gwynn Galvin of Swirls of Flavor shares an easy and delicious chicken recipe that’s perfect for busy spring evenings. With just four ingredients, you will be enjoying Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs on your dinner table in about 30 minutes. Ingredients 4 bone-in chicken thighs 4 Tablespoons butter at room temperature 1 Tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning 1 lemon Instructions Preheat oven to 425F. Cut the lemon in half crosswise. Cut one half of the...

April 2024

Professional Services

Worth the Investment

Planning is Your Key to Success Article by Kris Pepper | Photography by Charissa H. Yong Gone are the days of treating your CPA as a once-a-year, tax-season acquaintance. Small businesses will see greater earnings when they break free from that old mindset and invest in the groundwork for tax planning and business growth. Samantha Santaniello and her sister, Katherine, are Certified Public Accountants and partners at R.S.K. Tax & Consulting, L.L.C. They bring a wealth of knowledge and...

March 2024