Style + Beauty

A Little Sparkle for the Collar

Nuggyz brings jewelry-inspired letter charms to pets with plenty of personality. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Erika Galvez For our Kids + Pets Issue, we looked for something special for the four-legged family members who already have the bed, toys, treats and most of the household authority. Enter Nuggyz, a jewelry-inspired collection from Nuggets & Karats that brings a little glamour to the collar with custom letter pendants made for pets who were never meant to blend in. The...

Fitness

Movement With a Message

Fitness, confidence and character lessons for today’s kids. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Nigel John-Baptiste At a time when kids are spending more of childhood on screens, Dave Joisil saw an opportunity. Instead of fighting technology, the New Jersey educator and creator chose to turn it into a tool for movement, confidence and character building. Today, Joisil is the creator behind “Hey, It’s Mr. J,” a growing children’s brand centered on fitness, social-emotional learning...

Education

Service to the Community

Empowering Students to Use Their Gifts in Service to Others Article by AnneMarie Vaughn | Photography by Immaculate Heart Academy There is a reason why Immaculate Heart Academy has been repeatedly named the Best Private School in Bergen County. In addition to its rigorous academic program and powerhouse athletics, students are empowered on a daily basis to lead with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Service at IHA is more than just something that is required; it...

Arts + Culture

Behind Little Billy

Author Barry Farber turns childhood imagination into a story about empathy, courage and confidence. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by Barry Farber The story of Little Billy began with a child’s imagination. Barry Farber grew up spending summers at a camp in Pennsylvania, where his father worked as director and his mother served as the nurse. His childhood was filled with forests, lakes, mountain trails and a small log cabin. Years later, that cabin would inspire the opening scenes of...

Life + Culture

Georgia Brings the Charm

Ramapo Valley’s Next Top Doggy Model is soulful, sassy, snuggly and always ready for a swim. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by My Havana Photography In May, dogs from across New Jersey gathered for City Lifestyle’s Next Top Doggy Model casting call, where canine contestants competed for the chance to represent their hometown on the cover. A key partner in the event was K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel Hillsborough, known for luxury dog boarding and daycare, cage-free accommodations and a...

Food + Beverage

The Kids Made Me Do It

How family moments inspired some of Chef David Burke’s most iconic creations. Article by Recipe by Chef David Burke | Photography by David Burke Hospitality Management This month’s kids and pets theme got me thinking about the times my kids have impacted my culinary creativity, including one rainy day at home with my boys that unexpectedly inspired one of my most playful desserts: cake pops. It was back in the early ’90s. My two little boys and I were stuck at home due to torrential rain...

Wellness

What Your Dog Knows About Your Energy

Discover how dogs reflect our emotions, what their behavior may reveal about stress, and how they can strengthen awareness, connection and well-being. Article by Cara Zamorski, HWC, HN Most dog owners have experienced it. You come home after a stressful day, and before you've said a word, your dog is acting differently. Maybe they're pacing or they're glued to your side. It's easy to assume our dogs are simply reacting to the moment, but often they're responding to something deeper: us. As...

Food + Beverage

The Boys’ No Bake Bonbons

Kid chef friendly no bake dog treat recipe Article by Recipe by Tater Bear Treats | Photography by Tater Bear Treats Treat your four-legged family member to something homemade, wholesome and easy enough for little hands to help make. Homemade pet treats are a healthy alternative to store-bought options, letting owners control ingredients and avoid artificial additives. This no-bake recipe combines whole oats, peanut butter and coconut for a simple kitchen project children can help prepare. ...

Food + Beverage

A Barbecue Sauce Summer

From Carolina tang to Kansas City sweet, explore America’s saucy barbecue staple. Article by Garden State City Lifestyle We’re well into grilling season, which makes this the perfect time to talk about barbecue sauce. Barbecue sauce is one of those kitchen staples that can be deeply regional, highly personal and endlessly adaptable. Some versions are thin and tangy, others are sweet and glossy, and a few are creamy, peppery or boldly spiced. What they all have in common is the ability to add...

Local Services

Honoring 250 Years of the American Spirit

Princeton Battlefield Brings Revolutionary History to Life Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by David Surks This July, as the nation marks 250 years since the founding of the United States, New Jersey stands at the heart of the celebration. Few places capture the determination and turning points of America’s fight for independence like Princeton Battlefield, where George Washington secured a decisive, morale-boosting victory in the Revolutionary War. To honor this milestone...