Travel

The Luxury of Time Well Spent

Travel expert Shari Erasmus plans the perfect Greece getaway Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Eric and Heather Priel When the time came for Scotch Plains resident Heather Priel to plan her dream 50th birthday trip, she made one quick and easy call: to Shari Erasmus of Inspired Escapes. Why spend hours researching, planning, coordinating and stressing when she could rely on Shari's expertise and connections to build an itinerary that would create lifelong memories for her whole family? ...

Finance + Legal Services

The Value of Peace of Mind

Secure your family's future with trusted advisor Steve Goldberg of Family Investors Company Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Craig Smith I remember the day I felt the most “adult” I had ever felt.  It was the day I purchased a supplemental life insurance policy for my family to ensure they would have what they needed financially if I had an untimely passing.  It wasn't necessarily a hard decision, but one that certainly made me reflect on the weight of responsibility I held, even after...

Home + Design

Live Your Story

Fall in love with your home again Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Chelsea Doyle and Edwing Hernandez In 2021 I decided I HAD to move.  Not out of Scotch Plains, but out of my house.  I mean, yes, I loved my neighbors, the location was great, home prices were at a record high and inventory a record low.  But none of that mattered because I hated my hideous floors and therefore, I MUST move!  It did not take long before I returned to rational thought, and shortly thereafter I had...

Beauty

Love your Skin

An Investment in regular facials will pay you back with healthy and youthful skin Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Jessica Reiss Photography Visit any of the local town Facebook pages and you will undoubtedly find neighbors and friends praising and recommending Spavia Clark Commons.  People rave about the massage therapists, estheticians and the exceptional customer service that they have not experienced elsewhere.  Many of the comments say "I love Liz".  Spavia's Manager...

Education

Future Investment

Union Catholic is more than an education; it's an investment in your student's and family's future. Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Provided It does not take long to notice a difference when you visit the campus at Union Catholic located on Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.  The sense of pride is palpable.  It comes from each student and faculty member that walks by, knowing they are a part of something bigger than themselves.  It is visible on the hallway walls and the banners waving in...

Food + Beverage

The Perfect Pint

Learn the art of pouring a perfect Guinness. Article by Therese B. Harris With St. Patrick's Day around the corner, there is no better time to learn the art of the perfect Guinness pour.  Rich in both taste and tradition, mastering the Guinness pour has become a rite of passage for bartenders across the globe. The proper pour impacts everything from the taste to the presentation. First, you need a dry, cool "tulip glass", known by its flower-like shape. And while rumors swirl about Guinness...

Home + Design

Style Tips

Christine Escribano, Owner at Cherry Home Designs shares her favorite ways to personalize a home. Article by Christine Escribano | Photography by Edwing Hernandez Create a space where friends and family can gather comfortably to interact and make memories. Custom banquet seating, upholstered cushions, and a salvaged barn house table will make your guests feel at home. There is room for everyone at this cozy breakfast nook - even the family's fur baby! DID SOMEONE SAY WALLPAPER? Few design...

Local Services

Sisters. Partners. Friends.

Meet the New Owners of Scotch Plains City Lifestyle Magazine Article by Therese B. Harris | Photography by Craig Smith   Scotch Plains residents for over 16 years, Terry Azad and Veronica Kautz are the new owners of Scotch Plains City Lifestyle magazine, serving as Editor and Publisher, respectively. They credit the magazine's strong foundation as the ideal platform to expand upon with their own vision.  Affectionately known as "the sisters" they are seen here brainstorming over their...

Entertainment

SPFHS Presents Freaky Friday

Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS Repertory Theatre presents FREAKY FRIDAY, a musical based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and hit Disney films. Article by Therese B. Harris | Photography by Disney Productions When mother Katherine and her teenage daughter Ellie magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. By spending a day in each other's shoes, the pair come to appreciate one another's struggles, and discover the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother...

Life + Culture

Achieving the American Dream

From Italy to the United States, a local family continues a legacy of hard work and determination Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Craig Smith When Rocco and Maria DiFrancesco emigrated from Italy to America in the 1970s with their two young children, they were seeking a better life filled with opportunities. Through unwavering determination and hard work, they achieved their dream of owning their own business—Park Avenue Shoe Repair, which has since become a beloved local...