At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
April 2026: Our Investment Issue
Investment is often measured in dollars and returns, but some of the most meaningful investments are not found on a balance sheet. They show up in the quiet decisions we make every day. Where we place our time. What we choose to build. Who and what we decide is worth our energy.
This month, our Investment Issue explores what it truly means to invest in yourself, your home, and your future.
Sometimes investing in yourself looks like saying yes to growth. Sometimes it looks like slowing down. Investing in your home might mean a renovation or a redesign, but it can also mean creating a space that reflects who you are becoming. Investing in your future is often less about prediction and more about intention.
As I step into this role as editor, I see this year as an investment in connection and creativity. A commitment to highlighting the businesses, families, and visionaries who are shaping our local communities in meaningful ways. In the pages ahead, you will find local professionals and entrepreneurs who are building boldly, improving thoughtfully, and planning with purpose. Each story offers a different perspective on what it means to invest wisely, not just financially, but personally.
We hope this issue inspires you to consider where you are placing your energy this season and what kind of return you hope to see.
If you’re looking to grow your business, and want to advertise with us or have local stories to share, please reach out to John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com or call us at 973-944-1440.
We look forward to seeing you around town!
STEPHANY AZNAR, EDITOR @CHATHAMSHORTHILLS
April 2026
PUBLISHER
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Stephany Aznar | stephany.aznar@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ben Meyer
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kelsey Harper
INTERN
Dylan Vorasi
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stephany Aznar, Brian Boyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Jorda Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
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THE VALUE BENEATH THE SURFACE
WHY A POOL IS A SMART PROPERTY INVESTMENT
The grill is going, water is splashing, and the backyard feels like the place everyone wants to be. This is the scene many buyers imagine the moment they step outside during a showing. A thoughtfully designed pool signals intention. It suggests the home was meant to be lived in and enjoyed. Beyond lifestyle, the impact is measurable. Adding a custom inground pool can elevate a property’s market appeal. According to Realtor.com, homes with professionally built pools often sell for 5 to 8 percent more than comparable homes without one, turning everyday enjoyment into real resale value.
But the real return on investment goes beyond the appraisal. It’s measured in summer afternoons with kids splashing in the water, evening gatherings with friends around the fire bowls, and weekend mornings that feel like vacation without ever leaving home. A pool transforms a backyard into the heart of family life, creating memories that appreciate far beyond any percentage point.
“People want to feel like they’re on vacation, and having a pool does that,” says Terry Argenziano, COO of The Pool Boss. A pool often becomes the true gathering space for family and friends. “It becomes the center point of the backyard, whether it’s the kids playing in the pool or a mom and dad sitting around it with a cocktail in their hands.”
Investing in a pool requires a partner who understands the nuances of New Jersey’s landscape and the expectations of its most discerning residents. With over 25 years of specialized experience, The Pool Boss has earned its reputation as the state’s premier builder by focusing on seamless execution, ensuring that the installation process is as stress-free as a summer afternoon. For homeowners, working with the right builder means
the investment is protected from day one. By managing every phase, from collaborating with their in-house licensed architects and certified designers to overseeing construction and the final reveal, The Pool Boss eliminates the logistical headaches that often plague large-scale renovations.
Their team emphasizes communication, thoughtful planning, and meticulous craftsmanship so each pool feels tailored rather than templated. Christopher Argenziano, Terry’s husband and CEO and founder of the company, is a third-generation pool builder who takes his responsibility to clients seriously. He revisits the site once the final details are completed and gathers feedback from the homeowner.
“Even though our online presence and reviews are very strong when it comes to customer satisfaction, our philosophy is to be proactive and not reactive,” says Terry. “We can only stay on top and keep our clients as happy as possible if we’re constantly assessing how we’re doing.”
Another advantage of working with The Pool Boss is its vast network of skilled contractors that can build all those extras around the pool such as fire bowls, fire pits, pavilions, kitchens, and more to create that complete luxury outdoor living area.
Another advantage of working with The Pool Boss is its vast network of skilled contractors that can build all those extras around the pool such as fire bowls, fire pits, pavilions, kitchens, and more to create that complete luxury outdoor living area. Once a pool is constructed, a service manager teaches homeowners how to operate it. “We usually do a two-hour course where we teach them everything they need to know.” A manual, website and QR codes for helpful videos are also provided.
However, just like being on vacation, homeowners can enjoy the luxury of a pool without all the work. “We offer what we call valet service,” says Terry. “If you hire us to build your pool, you can then have us do everything to maintain it. But it’s á la carte, so we can do as much or as little as you prefer. We have about 200 clients that don’t do anything except swim, while others actually enjoy doing some of the pool maintenance.”
Terry and Chris understand what having a pool is all about, and have always had one in their own backyards. “We can install automatic covers, so for those with children and pets, we usually advise keeping them closed when the pool is not in use,” she says. With over 528 positive Google Reviews, it speaks volumes of their commitment to making customers a top priority. As Buddy and Lisa Valastro from The Cake Boss shared, “Chris took care of the whole thing…and what we wanted to do with the pool, so we were really happy with everything.”
The result is not just a finished project, but a thoughtfully executed outdoor oasis designed to enhance daily living while strengthening long-term property value.
Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL
An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.
Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.
A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.
Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?
A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.
Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?
A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.
Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?
A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.
“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”
Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?
A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”
Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.
This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
for the exclusive reveal and more with Tim Tebow unfiltered.
the first time ever, Tim shares the inspiration behind a project he’s been holding close to his heart.
Redefining MVP
FEATURING TIM TEBOW
Step into GLAZE Salon and experience beauty that goes beyond the mirror.
Where Beautiful Hair Is Just the Beginning
We’re proud to spotlight a few of our in-house team members with over 20 years of industry expertise. Whether you’re seeking a transformative haircut, flawless makeup, dimensional color, extensions, or a full glam moment, our stylist’s artistry and intuitive touch make every visit unforgettable. Relax in our chic lounge with a coffee, explore our curated boutique, and indulge in our full menu of services—from Brazilian blowouts and lashes to nails and gift-worthy finds. At GLAZE, it’s not just about looking beautiful—it’s about feeling it, too.
“You get the best head massage during your shampoo...Riley is great!” Book your appointment today and let us elevate your everyday!
#Glaze Salon Chatham
INVESTING in Yourself
ARTICLE BY STEPHANY AZNAR AND GABBY MORALES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
In the world of smart investing, we’re often told to think long-term, focus on quality, and choose experts who understand both strategy and detail. The same philosophy applies when investing in yourself, especially when it comes to facial rejuvenation. At Spiro Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Spiro has built a reputation for delivering results that are not only beautiful, but enduring, natural, and deeply personal. Dr. Spiro approaches facial rejuvenation the way a seasoned investor approaches a portfolio: by looking at the full picture and your goals. His signature Customized High SMAS Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift is not about chasing trends or quick fixes, it’s about restoring structure, balance, and confidence in a way that stands the test of time. “There is no shortcut to sustainable, transformative, beautiful outcomes when it comes to face and neck lifting. Limited access and mini procedures generally yield mini results. The devil is in the details. Sophisticated planning and execution of a High SMAS Deep Plane facelift and extended neck lift, combined with platysmal band work, fat grafting, eyelid surgery, brow lifting, and a lip lift, combine to yield true harmonious, youthful restoration.”
TIMELESS RETURNS, THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED
THE FOUNDATION: FACE AND NECK LIFTS DONE RIGHT
Facial aging doesn’t happen on the surface alone, and Dr. Spiro is quick to point that out. While traditional facelifts often focus primarily on tightening skin, his High SMAS Deep Plane technique works at a deeper, more structural level. By addressing the underlying support system of the face, the SMAS layer and platysma muscles, Dr. Spiro can reposition tissue where it naturally belongs, rather than simply pulling it tighter.
The result? A refreshed, youthful appearance that still looks like you! No windswept faces. No frozen expressions. Just restored contours, smoother transitions from face to neck, and a jawline that looks youthful and naturally defined. What truly sets this approach apart is its customization. Every face tells a different story, and Dr. Spiro listens carefully before designing a surgical plan. Using a bilaminar technique, the skin is carefully separated from the deeper layers, allowing each component to be adjusted independently. This precision-based approach enables multi-directional lifting tailored to each patient’s anatomy, an approach that delivers both elegance and longevity.
For many patients, the face and neck lift becomes the anchor of a broader rejuvenation plan. Depending on individual goals, Dr. Spiro may recommend complementary procedures such as brow lifting, upper or lower eyelid surgery, lip lifting, or strategic fat grafting to areas like cheeks, temples, or under-eye region. Addressing these elements together creates harmony across the face, results that feel cohesive, balanced, and quietly transformative.
“SOPHISTICATED planning AND EXECUTION OF A HIGH SMAS DEEP PLANE FACELIFT AND EXTENDED NECK LIFT, combined with PLATYSMAL BAND
WORK, FAT GRAFTING, EYELID SURGERY, BROW LIFTING, AND A LIP LIFT, COMBINE TO YIELD TRUE HARMONIOUS, youthful RESTORATION.”
THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE: FROM PREPARATION TO AFTERCARE
One of the hallmarks of Spiro Plastic Surgery is the seamless integration of surgical expertise with an advanced, physician-led medical spa. Weeks before surgery, patients begin skin preparation under the guidance of Dr. Spiro and his expert team, including Nurse Practitioner Mikayla and aesthetician Rebecca. Medical-grade skincare and targeted treatments are used to strengthen the skin, improve tone and texture, and optimize the body’s ability to heal. Think of it as preparing the soil before planting, the better the foundation, the better the outcome.
After surgery and proper healing, patients transition into the enhancement phase. Here, non-surgical treatments are thoughtfully layered in to refine results and elevate skin quality. Neuromodulators may soften dynamic lines, dermal fillers can enhance contours with restraint, and advanced laser treatments stimulate collagen and improve overall radiance. One standout technology used during this phase is the Mosaic 3D fractional laser, which creates controlled microchannels in the skin to promote deep collagen renewal while allowing for faster recovery. Treatments are fully customized, ensuring results that look refreshed, not overdone.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
Well thought out plans include advanced stacking of treatments in one visit with LaseMD Ultra (another laser their office uses) combined with microneedling, Hyaluronic Acid fillers, and PRF EZ Gel to stimulate collagen, reduce spotty pigmentation, support tissue repair, and provide volume replacement. Long-term success is about maintenance, and Dr. Spiro’s team excels here as well. Ongoing care may include Diamond Glow facials, medical-grade chemical peels, periodic laser sessions, and curated at-home skincare routines. These treatments protect the surgical investment by keeping skin healthy, vibrant, and resilient as time goes on.
This coordinated, start-to-finish approach ensures that structure, volume, and skin quality are addressed together, not in isolation. Patients don’t just receive a procedure; they receive a comprehensive experience designed to support them at every stage.
“THERE
MORE THAN A PROCEDURE
At Spiro Plastic Surgery, investing in yourself means partnering with a team that values education, artistry, and longterm results. It’s a philosophy rooted in trust, expertise, and care, where every detail matters.
To learn more about Dr. Spiro’s perspective on surgery, artistry, and patient care, tune into his podcast, The Artist in the O.R., available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Podbean.
Because the best investments aren’t just about returns, they’re about feeling confident, empowered, and at home in your own skin.
Visit drspiro.com
Social Media: www.instagram.com/spiroplasticsurgery/ Listen to our Podcast: theartistintheor.podbean.com
From Naples to Livingston, Vette Invites You To Dine Inside
A Love Letter To Italian Cuisine
Chef and Sommelier Maurizio De Rosa brings generations of Neapolitan tradition to the table with modern elegance, pristine ingredients, and soulful technique. Handmade pastas, smoked cocktails, and unforgettable desserts unfold course by course, like a story meant to be savored—not rushed.
Discover the Four-Course Tasting Menu ($55), available Monday through Thursday, or indulge in the Seven-Course Tasting Experience and à la carte favorites any day of the week. Pair it all with expertly curated Italian wines and cocktails at the full bar.
Your table in Naples awaits— right here in Livingston. This is more than dinner. This is Vette.
Strength, Balance, Longevity: A Holistic Path
REDEFINING WELLNESS THROUGH MOVEMENT, PREVENTION, AND CONSISTENCY
ARTICLE BY BRIAN BOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA
Kathy McCready, Founder of Providence Health and Fitness, is not interested in six-week transformations or punishing workouts. She is focused on something far more valuable: longevity, prevention and balance.
“I watch every client walk toward my training room,” McCready says. “Before they ever lie on a table or touch a piece of equipment, their body tells me a story.”
A heavy footstep on one side can signal hip misalignment. Shoulders creeping toward the ears often reveal a tight front body. A hunched posture may indicate shortened pectoral and belly muscles and a stiff, tight spine.
“If someone is already rounded forward, the last thing I want is for them to do a hundred crunches,” McCready explains. “When you contract a muscle, you shorten and tighten it. My work is about opening, lengthening and creating balance.”
That philosophy is the product of more than three decades in wellness—and a career that began in ballet. The discipline and deep body awareness required of a dancer shaped her understanding of biomechanics. From there, she moved into massage therapy, yoga and Pilates before ultimately specializing in GYROTONIC® training, a movement system built on spiraling, circular exercises designed to decompress joints and create fluidity.
“It’s very different from traditional weightlifting,” McCready says. “Instead of compressing the joints, you create space and extension.” Strengthening tendons and ligaments as well as the bones and muscles of the body.
After managing a boutique fitness center in 2007, she opened Providence Health and Fitness in January 2015. The studio offers Pilates, GYROTONIC® training, massage therapy, meditation and nutritional guidance. Her husband,
Dedicated Pilates Studio
Larry, a nutrition consultant and a grand master of massage therapy, complements the physical work with strategic dietary support and massage recovery, reinforcing the center’s holistic model.
Designing a personalized program is part science, part intuition.
“I observe how someone moves and carries themselves,” McCready says. “After 30 years, I can assess their needs almost immediately.”
But the greater challenge is psychological.
“The tricky part is balancing what the body truly needs with what the brain wants,” she explains. “Someone may want an intense, calorie-burning workout. But if their posture is compromised or their joints are unstable, that’s not what will serve them long term.”
Her focus is especially sharp when it comes to proactive aging.
“As we get older, we have to think preventatively,” McCready says. “You can’t wait until something hurts.”
She cautions against confusing rapid change with sustainable health, noting the popularity of dramatic weight-loss solutions. While acknowledging their place, she emphasizes that lasting wellness requires moderation.
“Health is gradual,” she says. “It’s consistency. It’s the 80-20 rule. You don’t need perfection. You need balance.”
Perfection is not one of her favorite words. There really is no perfection in health and wellness McCready says. Health and wellness are a constant, consistent journey.
She recalls working with a 75-year-old client who began with simple posture corrections and foundational movements. Over time, strength improved, mobility increased and confidence followed.
“Success isn’t just a number on a scale,” McCready says. “It’s sustainability. Moving without pain.”
Progress is tracked thoughtfully— through posture assessments, strength markers and visual cues—so clients can see gains that may feel subtle day to day.
Exclusive In The Area: Gyrotonic Machine!
“The tricky part is balancing what the body truly needs with what the brain wants”
“Someone may want an intense, calorie-burning workout. But if their posture is compromised or their joints are unstable, that’s not what will serve them long term.”
Providence Health and Fitness also distinguishes itself through specialized equipment rarely found in conventional gyms. McCready houses two unique machines. The methodology behind the GYROTONIC® required an intensive three-week licensing in Germany.
“These systems allow for decompression and fluid movement patterns that you simply can’t replicate elsewhere,” she says talking about the GYROTONIN® equipment.
Her massage therapy offerings are equally intentional. One room is dedicated to manual lymph drainage, a medical technique that supports immune function and detoxification. Another focuses on deep tissue and Swedish massage, while a hydroculator provides consistent moist heat therapy to relax muscles before treatment.
“Recovery is just as important as exercise,” McCready says. “The body needs restoration.”
Like many small business owners, she faced significant disruption during COVID-19. She pivoted quickly, offering 33 Zoom classes to keep clients moving and connected.
“It wasn’t ideal,” McCready says. “But it kept our community together.”
My clients are my best marketing,” she says. “When people feel better, they tell others.”
For McCready, wellness is the ultimate long-term investment. Small, consistent deposits of effort compound over time, producing dividends in strength, mobility and quality of life.
“You don’t need extremes,” she says. “You need awareness, balance and the willingness to keep showing up.”
Massage Therapy Suite
Dr. Amie Shah
Inside strategies families use to unlock financial aid, challenge assumptions about public versus private colleges and navigate the new federal loan limits reshaping affordability
CRACKING COLLEGES’ FINANCIAL CODE TODAY
The cost of college has become one of the most emotionally charged financial decisions families face. Sticker prices can exceed $100,000 a year, and headlines about student debt only heighten anxiety. Yet according to Kalman Chany, Founder of Campus Consultants Inc., the biggest mistake families make is assuming the listed cost of attendance is what they will actually pay.
THE STATE SCHOOL ASSUMPTION
One of the most common misconceptions, Chany explains, is that public universities are always less expensive than private colleges.
“That’s simply not true,” he says. “Private colleges often offer more merit and institutional aid than public universities give to out-of-state students. While in-state public options can be less expensive for those who don’t qualify for much aid, out-of-state students typically pay near full price. Private colleges compete aggressively for strong applicants with more generous aid packages.”
BORROWING HAS LIMITS
Another dangerous assumption is that parents can borrow whatever they need through the federal Parent PLUS loan program. That will no longer be the case for students starting a program of study after July 1, 2026, and/or who have their first federal originated after that date. The new rules will limit annual borrowing for a student to $20,000 with a $65,000 aggregate cap. “However, those who have a student currently enrolled may be able to be grandfathered under the old rules with higher borrowing amounts permitted – provided they plan now to qualify,” Chany explains. “If families wait too long to act or do not understand all the potential pitfalls in the fine print they could miss out on being grandfathered. ”
Merit, Need and Custom Strategy
Financial aid can consist of merit scholarships, need-based grants, work-study jobs and student loans. Each college will determine your eligibility for such aid.
Be aware that colleges do not use merit money to reward academic achievement”, Chany says. “They do this to attract students who will improve their profile who might otherwise go to a higher-ranked school with a higher net price for the family”
He cautions families against relying too much on college’s online net price calculators.
“They’re often inaccurate by a large margin and can lead to erroneous assumptions” Chany says.”
Start Earlier Than You Think
“Aid planning should ideally begin before January 1 of tenth grade,” Chany says. First year eligibility is normally based in part on “prior-prior year income” (e.g. 2026 income for a student starting college in the Fall of 2028). By 12th grade some opportunities to boost aid eligibility are gone.”
He frequently sees families overestimate their ability to navigate the process independently.
“They assume non-profit colleges act like charities,” Chany says. “But colleges are businesses. Revenue and rankings influence their decisions.”
529 Plans and non-federal Alternate Loans
Savings tools such as 529 plans remain valuable, but families subject to the new borrowing limits on PLUS loans will need to be more strategic with distributions.
The long-term conventional wisdom to completely liquidate the 529 plan before taking out any education loans may no longer be applicable given the $20,000 per year per student PLUS loan limit, Chany says. “The conventional wisdom to first use federal loans may not make sense for some families. PLUS loans have a soft credit test that does not use FICO scores with all borrowers getting the same rate. For those who will need to borrow more than the PLUS loan aggregate limit, it may make sense to borrow some money from a non-federal education loan program sooner, before one’s FICO score used for such debt is affected by past PLUS loan borrowing.”
KNOWLEDGE IS LEVERAGE
For Chany, the bottom line is simple: information creates leverage.
“College is likely the second-biggest financial decision a family will make,” he says. “The families who plan early, understand the rules and challenge assumptions consistently pay less.”
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Inquiring Chef
START WITH A VEGETABLE
Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.
Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook, Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.
“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”
The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side— they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.
As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.
“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”
Unlike most cookbooks, Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.
“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”
Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.
“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”
After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.
“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”
To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.
“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”
To order a copy of the cookbook visit: InquiringChef.com
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK
FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
habits for morning success
One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day. Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.
If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.
Be Your Own Barista:
One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drive-thru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.
Get Your Steps In:
An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.
Enjoy Some Breakfast:
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.
Read A Book:
Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.
EXCEPTIONAL
DENTISTRY BY SPECIALIZED DENTISTS
Dr. Azizian, DDS & Dr. Sallustio, DDS
Dr. Sallustio and Dr. Azizian practice a full scope of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry. With a focus on implants, crowns, bridges, Kor whitening, Botox and porcelain veneers, Dr. Sallustio and Azizian help patients regain confidence in their smile. The doctors also provide life changing treatments includng same day All-on-4 implants and bridges, prosthetics for oral cancer, trauma and congenital defects including cleft lip and palate. Consider a consultation with Drs. Sallustio and Azizian to analyze your smile.
