Local Services

A Living Landmark

Why Farmstead Arts continues to inspire creativity across generations Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Farmstead Arts Tucked along King George Road, where rolling fields meet centuries-old architecture, the Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead stands as one of Somerset County’s most remarkable examples of historic preservation brought vibrantly into the present. Today known as Farmstead Arts, the 18th-century property has been transformed into a thriving hub for fine, performing and...

Home Services

Readers’ Choice

HOME EDITION — MARCH 2026 Article and Photography by Somerset Hills City Lifestyle When it comes to creating, maintaining and improving a home, Somerset Hills residents know exactly who they trust. From builders and designers to landscapers and skilled trades, this month’s Readers’ Choice: Home Edition highlights the professionals who consistently deliver quality, reliability and craftsmanship. These winners were selected entirely by reader vote—real recommendations from homeowners who have...

Home + Design

Ready to Revitalize Your Landscape?

Discover what Twin Oaks Landscape Design can do for your home Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Twin Oaks Landscape Design As homeowners begin looking ahead to warmer months, outdoor spaces often move to the top of the priority list. From enhancing curb appeal to creating functional areas for gathering and relaxation, thoughtful landscaping can significantly change how a home looks—and how it lives. More than an aesthetic upgrade, a well-designed landscape becomes an extension of the...

Home + Design

Smart Design, Beautiful Spaces

Michael Bruno traded spreadsheets for showrooms—transforming the kitchen remodeling experience through innovation, collaboration, and style. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Cabinet IQ, Danielle Stio Photography Michael Bruno had reached a professional crossroads. After 25 years in corporate finance, he had built a successful career analyzing numbers and advising large organizations. Still, he felt drawn toward something more tangible—an entrepreneurial path that would allow him to...

Arts + Culture

The Art of Intentional Design

Creating a Calming Home Sanctuary Article and Photography by Cara Zamorski, HN, HWC In a fast-paced world, the home can be more than a place to sleep or store belongings. It can serve as a sanctuary—one that supports the nervous system, restores energy and reflects intentional living. For many North Jersey residents balancing busy careers, family life and full schedules, the home environment plays a critical role in overall well-being. As a holistic health coach, I often remind clients that...

Home + Design

Spring Starts With Prevention

Inside Halo Home’s proactive approach to protecting what matters most Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Liz Polo - Havana Photography For Andy Barresse, home maintenance is not about fixing what’s already broken. It’s about preventing the damage homeowners never see coming. Barresse, owner of Halo Home Maintenance & Painting, has spent decades inside homes across New Jersey, first through a family legacy in painting and wallpapering and later through a full-service maintenance...

Home + Design

Built on the Ground Up

Hicks Paving Blends Generations of Craftsmanship With Modern Innovation Article by Mikaela Lewis | Photography by Jillian Spencer Studios As the third generation to lead Hicks Paving, Sam Hicks carries forward a family legacy rooted in craftsmanship, integrity and hard work. Founded more than 65 years ago by his grandfather, the business has grown from a small local operation into a trusted paving company serving communities across north-central New Jersey. Today, as Hicks teaches his son the...

Home + Design

Life, Uncluttered

A Basking Ridge Coach Helping People Clear Clutter and Find Clarity Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Patricia Diesel For Patricia Diesel, simplicity is not just an aesthetic choice—it is a pathway to emotional peace. From her home base in Basking Ridge, Diesel has built a career helping people release both the physical clutter in their homes and the internal weight that often comes with it. An internationally recognized speaker, bestselling author and specialist in chronic...

Food + Beverage

A Spoonful of Comfort

Rethinking chowder—and turning chili into a creamy crowd-pleaser Article by Chef David Burke | Photography by Chef David Burke, Shelley Clark Most people think of chowder in terms of clam, fish or corn. That gives short shrift to a broader category of soup defined by its hearty, chunky character—often thick and creamy, though not always. Consider tomato-based Manhattan clam chowder, which is relatively light compared with the robust creaminess of the New England version. What truly defines...

Education

Every Name, Every Hero

Mr. Local History’s “Operation Honor Roll” Honors the Brave Men and Women Who Served Bernards Township Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Mr. Local History The Mr. Local History Project, a New Jersey nonprofit dedicated to preserving community heritage, has announced the launch of Project Operation Bernards Township Armed Services Honor Roll—a major initiative to document and honor all men and women from Bernards Township who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States...