Life + Culture

Meet Ms. Chester!

Caitlin O’Neill Shows the Power of Positivity to the Somerset Hills Community Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Mondlock Moments Media Caitlin O’Neill knows what it means to survive—and thrive.  Today, she is on a mission to champion others in the Somerset Hills, show them that life is an ebb-and-flow and inspire them to meet challenges head-on through her “Ms. Chester” blog and her recently launched podcast “Keeping it Juicy.”  O’Neill brings a compassion and empathy to those she...

April 2024

Shopping

Everyday Magic

For Sharon Markowitz, Gift-Giving is the Family Business Article by Nancy A. Ruhling | Photography by Liz Polo, Havana Photography Sharon Markowitz loves to give presents for every occasion—holidays, birthdays, graduations, births, weddings and every other milestone imaginable.  And sometimes she gives just because she wants to celebrate the joy of the everyday.  Her biggest gift, The Rebecca Collection, has been a Bernardsville mainstay for the last quarter of a century. The retail...

April 2024

Style + Beauty

Radiant Resilience

Tara Quinn of T-Bella Med Spa Shares Her Journey as a Female Entrepreneur Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jillian Spencer Being a woman business owner comes with its own unique set of challenges and successes. “One of the most crucial pieces of advice is to believe in yourself and your capabilities,” says Tara Quinn, who owns T-Bella Med Spa in Whitehouse Station.    She stressed that as a woman it’s important to recognize your worth and the value you bring to the table. She...

April 2024

Food + Beverage

Enchanted Tea Time

Theresa Gaffney Creates an Iconic English Tea Experience at Sally Lunn’s Tearoom and Restaurant Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Liz Polo, Havana Photography It happens almost every day: People enter Sally Lunn’s Tearoom and Restaurant in Chester and exclaim, “You’re still here! I used to come here as a child but moved away. Don’t ever close!” For over three decades, the iconic restaurant has become a destination for people across the nation, one filled with vintage bone porcelain...

April 2024

Fitness

Restore Yourself

Fellowship Village Opens its Doors to the Community for Fitness and Well-Being Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Donna Gioia Volpe Exercise is a girl’s best friend.   According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, women reap a variety of benefits when they exercise regularly: It lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, prevents diabetes and improves mood and cognitive function.   Plus, it gives you that awesome release of endorphins—that...

April 2024

Education

Nurturing Young Innovators

Far Hills Country Day School’s New Learning Commons Teaches Children the Practical Value of Technology and Teamwork Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Alyssa Wildrick Two years ago, Far Hills Country Day School took a bold step: Incorporating a STEAM program that integrates with the curriculum from preschool to the eighth grade. At its heart is the Learning Commons, a large space equipped with the latest technology that opened in September 2022, thanks to the generosity of donors...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Symphony of Success

Laura Sabia Shows Women Entrepreneurs How to Unlock Success Secrets Article by Elle Bridge | Photography by Abby Cole Laura Sabia is an entrepreneur with a passion for creating businesses that make life better. Currently, she operates three Pure Barre studios, Club Sweat fitness and publishes two magazines,  Greenwich City Lifestyle and Darien New Canaan City Lifestyle,  in Connecticut. Her latest venture includes an online course for female entrepreneurs and the empowering book  You Can...

April 2024

Education

The College Playbook

How to Select the Right College for Your Student-Athlete Article by Patti Zielinski With over three decades of giving college recruitment and scholarship advice, Anthony Uva knows how to guide students and parents through the daunting process of college admittance. On his national television show “Secrets of College Planning” he interviews experts in the area of college admissions and other department heads. A former college athlete, Uva specializes in teaching high school students and their...

March 2024

Home Services

Investing in Your Home

Realtor Marie Young Discusses How to Balance Comfort and Marketability Article by Elle Bridge Your primary residence is not just a house. It’s where you live—a place to enjoy and create cherished memories. It is also a significant financial investment that should be chosen wisely and maintained properly to ensure your comfort and maximize its marketability when the time comes to sell. “Taking care of the smallest details in a timely way avoids costly repairs longer term,” says Realtor Marie...

March 2024

Education

Master Your Money

Financial Security Can Be Simple. Just Ask Karen Ostarticki. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Donna Gioia Volpe When asked about her greatest accomplishment, Karen Ostarticki’s response is quick: Sebastian.  The Bedminster mother is speaking of her son Sebastian Sanchez, who is known in the Somerset Hills as a three-sport champion athlete. Sanchez, an honors student, four-year letter winner and 2015 graduate of Bernards High School, was a member of the baseball team and captained...

March 2024