Life + Culture

Casting Call Cuteness

Celebrating Our 2025 Cover Contest Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jackie Korn - Korn Dogs NJ We came. We saw. We wagged! A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to our Somerset Hills  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 was bigger than ever! With so many adorable, camera-ready...

Life + Culture

Turning Grief into Purpose

Lindsay Schambach’s Mission at Imagine Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Lindsay Schambach Lindsay Schambach never envisioned a career in grief support. The former Newark teacher and charter school principal thought her life’s purpose was firmly planted in education. But when her husband, Mike Schambach—Montclair State’s head men’s lacrosse coach and a Bridgewater native—passed away from stage four colon cancer in 2018, everything changed. Left widowed at 35 with two young children...

Beauty

Monet Skincare

17-year-old entrepreneur Talia Hecht launches Monet Skincare with first product designed for teen skin at IBS/IECSC New York Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Talia Hecht At just 17 years old, Talia Hecht, a junior at the Pingry School in Basking Ridge , is making waves in the beauty industry with the launch of her skincare brand, Monet Skincare, and her debut product designed specifically for teen skin. A local entrepreneur with a passion for wellness and community impact, Hecht ...

Home + Design

Landscapes for the Whole Family

Designing with Kids and Pets in Mind Article by Michael Todd A thoughtfully designed landscape doesn’t just enhance the look of a home, it can also improve how the space functions for the entire family. When planning outdoor environments for households with children and pets: safety, durability, and playfulness become just as important as aesthetics. Whether designing from scratch or making small improvements, there are key considerations that help ensure a landscape is both welcoming and...

Education

Riley’s Remarkable Roller Coaster Ride

Bernardsville Mom Illustrates Debut Children's Book Article by Lauren Lovallo | Photography by Elizabeth Stryker As a physical therapist, Elizabeth Stryker makes a living helping others. So when an unexpected opportunity came along to help in a less conventional way, she couldn’t pass it up. The Bernardsville, New Jersey, resident was tapped to illustrate a new kind of children’s book written by her friend Emily Capuria, a psychotherapist and coach. The twist? Stryker, who paints and draws...

Life + Culture

Meet Lakoda

The Sweetheart Pup Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Kartheek Hedge Somerset County’s own Lakoda is stealing hearts — and the spotlight — as our Somerset Hills City Lifestyle doggy cover model. With her teddy bear face and joyful energy, this nearly 2-year-old mini goldendoodle is the embodiment of charm, comfort and unconditional love Lakoda was adopted in September 2023 by her dad and grandfather. Her journey home wasn’t exactly smooth—she cried the entire way. But everything...

Entertainment

Music meets Mission

Harmony Program Brings Music to NYC Youth Article by Crystal Long | Photography by Anne Fitzgibbon New York City, long considered a global hub for the arts, is home to world-class performances, elite institutions like Juilliard and NYU, and a vibrant performing arts culture. But beyond the stages of Lincoln Center or Broadway, it’s also where the Harmony Program—a nonprofit music education organization—is changing lives. Founded 15 years ago by Anne Fitzgibbon, the Harmony Program brings free...

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 ...

Life + Culture

‘Seed Cats’ and a Mighty Mission

Bernie’s Buddies Cat Rescue Article by Lauren Lovallo | Photography by Bernie’s Buddies Cat Rescue Some startups launch with seed money. Edie Hogan, president and founder of Bernie’s Buddies Cat Rescue, jokes that she launched with “seed cats” instead. For many years, Hogan balanced working full time while volunteering with various cat rescues, shelters and foster programs in New Jersey. But in February 2021, when an acquaintance approached her about rescuing two female cats from a difficult...

Home + Design

Crafting Outdoor Spaces with Heart

Bruno Design Associates blends lifestyle, landscape, and lasting connections in the heart of Somerset Hills. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Liz Polo - My Havana Photography When Somerset Hills City Lifestyle caught up with Tracy and Jason Bruno of Bruno Design Associates in Chester earlier this spring, life was buzzing with excitement. Their family was celebrating a trio of academic milestones: their daughter, Alyssa, was graduating from Boston College, while their sons...