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LIFESTYLE LETTER

February 2024 Love Local

February 2024 PUBLISHERS

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Kaitlyn Keane | Kaitlyn.Keane@citylifestyle.com

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn. I find myself torn between staying on track with my January’s commitment for a new healthy eating plan and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season. Valentine’s Day for us, is an at home celebration with our kids and we have included a delicious and festive Valentines Day chocolate dipped pretzel rods recipe to make at home! Do your Valentine’s Day plans include a date out or enjoying a cozy night at home? We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in our local communities and beyond! While we teeter between the chill of January winter and the excitement of spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. The ones in your home and on your street. In your neighborhood and your community. “Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is near. Those under your own roof included. So grab a cup of coffee and plan for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of your favorite wine and indulge on a movie night in. We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month. Thank you for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like. Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before. If you are looking to grow your business and advertise with us, or have local stories to share, reach out to John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com or call us at 973-944-1440. We look forward to seeing you around town! Happy February! ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @ C H AT H A M S H O R T H I L L S

S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Ben Meyer M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Ben Meyer C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Chris Jorda Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Chatham & Short Hills City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Chatham & Short Hills area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

32 16

Featured

16 28 32

36 6

36 On the Cover

Soothe Your Soul

Look beautiful and feel great all year long

Meyer ChocolateDipped Pretzel Rods

Wildly Beautiful

Bring color, nature and love into your life on Valentine’s Day and all year round

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods with White Chocolate Drizzle Valentine’s Day Treat

Love That Lasts: A Valentine's Day Guide Navigating the Maze of Relationships with Eight Tips for Lasting Love.

Photography: Provided

Departments 4

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Hot Spot BEAUTY

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Inspired By EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES

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1: Home Watch Care Givers of South Orange basket winners. 2: Connie, Sameer of Blue Code Networks and David Leigh of Leigh Law 3: Guest enjoying catering by Red Oyster, Portofino's in Morristown and dessert by Chatham's Toastique. 4: Red Oyster "Oyster-tainer" and Andres from Sareh Nouri New York. 5: Wildly Floral of South Orange basket winners. 6: Laura Kosik, Garden Communities with Tom and Mari of Broadyarns 7: Nisha Varma, CEO of Lux Interiors and co-owner of Primrose Schools and Ana Meyer, Publisher

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While many of us view going to a spa as a luxurious indulgence, it can also work wonders for our physical and mental health. “Our lives are busy and we really need that one hour of serenity for ourselves,” says Jierong (Julia) Cheng, owner of Spring Beauty

skin glow. “I became an accountant when I was 23, and that’s when I started going to spas and having facials,” says Julia. “Now, after 20 years, my friends say I look the way I did a few years after I graduated from college. I’m crediting some of

“CLIENTS SHOULD FEEL WELCOME IN OUR SPA. THEY SHOULD FEEL CALM.” Spas (formerly Soothing Zen Day Spa) which opened in Millburn in 2016. “When you come in here, it’s soothing and calm.” In addition to Millburn, there are now four other locations. “We have merged with Spring Beauty Spas and so all five locations will be under this brand,” she says. “It’s very convenient for our clients - there’s one in Springfield, Cranford, Hillsborough, and also in Soho in New York. The spas offer everything needed to relax. “Especially with our massages, our therapists help work all the stress out of your body,” she says. They are trained to focus on the specific needs of each person, whether they have back pain, shoulder pain or something else. “After that hour, clients feel very refreshed.” Having a facial is also a lovely way to refresh ourselves and make our

that to the facials that I’ve been getting each month.” One of the most popular options is the oxygen facial. “Specifically, it helps to spray the serum into the skin, so it’s a very intense dose that helps skin stay hydrated, especially during the winter season,” she says. “It also adds a healthy look to the skin.” She says the facials they provide are also customized for each client depending on their skin types. Using foot ref lexology techniques is another way to increase the feeling of wellness. “My staff is very experienced, so when they touch a specific part of the foot, they’ll know if there is a problem in that area and work to correct it.” Spring Beauty Spas also offer eyelash extensions for longer and fuller lashes. “During the holidays, Valentine’s Day and other special

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H ATH A MA N D S HO RT HI L L S

occasions, women want to look a little bit more glamorous, but without too much effort.” One of the spas’ missions is to make luxurious spa services accessible and affordable for more people. To do this, Spring Beauty Spas offer packages and memberships, and will have special offerings for Valentine’s Day such as a couple’s massage or a couple’s facial for $149. Each couple will also receive a teddy bear and a bottle of seaweed or rose petal mask. Every one of her massage therapists and estheticians have a minimum of five years of experience, and over half of them have more than 15 years of experience. Employees also go through a thorough training. “I’m happy to provide something that I personally benefit from and want to provide these benefits to others,” says Julia. Visit one of her spa locations and revitalize your mind and body.

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While many women and men have health issues related to their pelvic areas, it’s not something that’s openly discussed. It’s often embarrassing to bring up even with our closest friends, and many times, doctors aren’t even aware of their patients’ plights. “Patients go to doctors, whether it’s for a yearly appointment, or their six-week postpartum checkup, and are asked how everything is going,” says Stacey Futterman Tauriello, a physical therapist who concentrates on the pelvic area. “Most people assume that what they’re experiencing is part of aging or postpartum.” When she gave birth to Lexi in 2017, she learned firsthand what her patients were going through. “It gave me a lot more empathy for my patients and really helped me be a better therapist.” Stacey did a Motherhood series on the Today Show where she talked about her struggles first with fertility and then with urinary incontinence and other childbirth-related issues. At her two 5 Point Physical Therapy and Wellness Centers in New York City and Millburn, patients are treated for everything relating to the pelvis. “We focus on things such as urinary incontinence, frequency and urgency - anything related to the bladder, plus anything related to the bowel, including bowel dysfunction, and pain during physical intimacy, prenatal and postpartum issues, and pre- and post-menopausal symptoms. Also, about 30 to 40% of our patient population is male.” Physical therapists, says Stacey, don’t receive a lot of education in school on pelvic health. “I’m a senior instructor for Herman and Wallace [Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute] and educate physical therapists, occupational

therapists - anyone who is licensed to touch – on how to assess and treat pelvic dysfunction.” Being a boutique practice allows her and the other therapists to spend 45 minutes to an hour with patients each session. “Supporting women, especially during the prenatal and postpartum periods, is one of my passions because women don’t get the care they need during pregnancy or postpartum as well as they could.” In November of last year, the Millburn location, which has been renovated with a fresh, clean, modern feel, expanded its services to include a new treatment program for oncology and breast cancer patients. “We hired Karen Vozzella, a Sloan Kettering oncology-trained physical therapist who is certified in lymphedema therapy. She’s passionate about what she does.” Stacey is so happy to be able to include this service since many places that provide these treatments have a waiting list and cannot see patients as often as needed. “They need to be seen twice a week, for say three or four weeks, and because they don’t have any availability, patients get seen only once a week.” She said the feedback has been excellent and physicians are excited to be sending patients to 5 Point. She and her team of physical therapists, which also includes Stephanie White, Jennifer Lynch, and Jessica Nielson, as well as acupuncturists Leah Kim and Jason Neff, work together to help clients live better lives. At her Wellness center in NYC, there are Pilates instructors, estheticians, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and physical therapists. The Millburn location also hopes to add massage therapy soon. To get help for any pelvic or lymphedema issues you may be experiencing, go to 5PointPT.com. Patients can also schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H ATH A MA N D S HO RT HI L L S

“

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W I L D LY B E AU T I F U L Bring color, nature and love into your life on Valentine’s Day and all year round

Josi Stone, owner and creative director of Wildly Floral Co., has always had a love of nature and flowers. From the time she was a child making mud pies in her grandmother’s backyard and adorning them with geranium blooms, she has felt a connection to the ever-changing natural world. Her shop, located in South Orange, offers fresh flowers, plants, gifts and hands-on workshops. Josi’s inspiration is drawn from the way things move and change in nature, so Wildly’s floral designs have a movement and life to them which sets them apart from other

traditional arrangements. This unmanicured, growing garden style is a staple of everything that Wildly designs, from flower deliveries for all occasions to intimate dinner parties, large scale weddings and galas with show stopping floral installations. Josi views flowers as a means to thoughtful human connection. Her and her team’s deliberate, artistic approach to florals gives clients opportunities for that unique connection - not only to each other, but to the natural world as well. Many of the arrangements contain flowers in full, gorgeous

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY AND PORVIDED CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H ATH A MA N D S HO RT HI L L S

bloom while also incorporating those that have not yet opened. “This way the arrangements evolve over time and change shape,” she says. Wildly Floral Co. also offers flower subscriptions, which allows people to enjoy fresh flowers in their homes or offices all year long. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” says Josi. For Valentine’s Day, instead of focusing on the classic red rose, the shop is doing various shades of soft pink that Josi is calling “Make Them Blush.” “It’s a unique mix of roses that are going to be absolutely stunning,” she says. In addition to its wonderful flowers, there are many unique gifts. “We love to feature talented local artists in the shop,” says Josi. “We have one-of-a-kind vases, paintings, and jewelry. Some of the most popular items are botanically dyed textiles from an artist in Maplewood.” There’s also a nice selection of candles, plants and other locally-made merchandise. It’s very important to Josi that Wildly Floral Co. operates in a sustainable manner. “We’re using the beauty of Mother Nature as our medium, so we feel strongly about respecting the Earth in the process,” she says. The shop sources as locally as possible, composts all green waste, uses recyclable or recycled wrapping materials, and even sustainable bamboo card holders. They also have a vase buy-back program, so nothing is wasted and their clients can enjoy a fresh arrangement in the same vase over and over again. To bring beauty into your life, connect with Josi and watch your world bloom.

W i ld ly Floral C o. Event s February 4th - Bring your friends for Galentines Day! A flower arranging workshop that includes snacks and a mimosa bar. All materials are provided.

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H OW TO | FO O D + BEVERAGE

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED PRETZEL RODS WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE VA LENTINE’S DAY TREAT

Meyer Chocolate Dipped Pretzels Hey, foodie friends! Ready to dive into a sweet and crunchy adventure with our “Meyer ChocolateDipped Pretzel Rods” ? Buckle up for a taste bud fiesta and some quality time making these with your kids like we do! Here’s what you need: 12-16

pretzel rods, 1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, pink, white, and red heart-shaped sprinkles, parchment paper, and if you’re feeling fancy, throw in some crushed nuts or coconut flakes.

1. Gear Up Pretzel Rods: Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Make sure those pretzel rods are squeaky clean and dry.

5. Let the Chocolate Set: Give your rods a few minutes to strut their stuff and set the chocolate.

2. Melt Dark/Milk Chocolate: Time to turn those chocolate chips into liquid gold! Melt them in the microwave or do the double boiler dance until smooth. 3. Dive into Chocolate Bliss: Take a pretzel rod, dunk it into the melted chocolate, covering about two-thirds. Let it drip off like a chocolatey waterfall. 4. Go Nuts or Coconuts (Optional): Feeling wild? Roll your chocolate-dipped rod in crushed nuts or coconut flakes. Place it on the parchmentcovered stage.

6. Melt White Chocolate: Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate until it’s as smooth as a buttery dance move. 7. White Chocolate Rain: Grab a spoon or a piping bag and drizzle that silky white chocolate over your chocolate-dipped rods. It’s like edible art! 8. Sprinkle Love: While the white chocolate is still groovy and wet, sprinkle on those pink, white, and red heart-shaped sprinkles. Cue the confetti! Voila! Your sweet delights are ready to be shared.

“Buckle up for a taste bud fiesta and some quality time with your little ones or your special someone.” ARTICLE BY BEN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H ATH A MA N D S HO RT HI L L S

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Love That Lasts: A Valentine's

day guide NAVIGATING THE MAZE OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH EIGHT TIPS FOR LASTING LOVE.

As a seasoned family law attorney, I’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of relationships—some thriving and others struggling. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love, but let’s not forget that it’s also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that hold us together. So, in the spirit of fostering happy, healthy relationships, here are eight tips that may help your love stand the test of time.

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“As a seasoned family law attorney, I've witnessed the ebb and flow of relationships—some thriving and others struggling. Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love, but let's not forget that it's also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that hold us together.”

1. Keep Your Expectations Realistic: Expectations can be the silent saboteurs of love. Embrace your partner’s imperfections and remember that no one is perfect. Love can flourish when we let go of unrealistic expectations.

2. Make Your Relationship a Safe Place: A loving relationship should be a sanctuary—a space where both partners feel secure, respected, and understood. Open communication and trust are important.

3. Focus on the Positives, Not the Negatives: Every relationship has its ups and downs, but dwelling on the negatives can poison the well of love. Shift your focus to the positive aspects of your partnership.

4. Team Up—Especially in a Crisis: When facing challenges, unite as a team. Confront difficulties together, drawing strength from each other. A crisis can either break you or forge an unbreakable bond.

5. Pay Attention to the Small Stuff: It’s the little things that count. Show appreciation for small gestures, and never underestimate the power of a thoughtful, kind act in nurturing love.

6. Have Fun and Laugh Together: Laughter is a powerful elixir for a healthy relationship. Find joy in shared moments, and let laughter be the soundtrack of your love story.

7. Be Present: In our fast-paced lives, being present is a rare gift. Dedicate quality time to your partner, free from distractions, and savor the richness of the moments you create together.

8. Allow Each Other Room to Grow: Love should be a catalyst for personal growth. Give your partner the freedom to evolve and discover themselves.

May your Valentine’s Day be filled with love, laughter, and a renewed commitment to the beautiful journey of lasting love. Sandra Fava, Esq. Family Law Attorney, https:// www.foxrothschild.com/sandra-c-fava

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Finding The Perfect Match

Enhance the delectable flavors of chocolate and wine

If you want to delight your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, give them a gift of premium chocolates. To really make an impression, pair those with the right bottle of wine. As with savory foods, certain wines can bring out the flavors of chocolate in a most extraordinary way. Since there are many different varieties of chocolate – milk, dark, and white – and many types of wines, there are certain important criteria to follow to ensure that you enhance both flavors, and not overwhelm or dilute them. To save you the time of taste testing and matching on your own (although that would be enjoyable), wine and chocolate experts have already done the work for you. For instance, they have found that for a delicately f lavored milk chocolate, a heavy full-bodied red will eradicate its subtle f lavors. Or, for an intensely f lavored chocolate, such as bitter dark chocolate, the delicate f lavors of a light white wine will be overshadowed. It’s also important to match the sweetness of the wine with the sugar content of the chocolate. Dark chocolate is best paired with drier wines, while white and milk chocolate should be served with sweeter wines. These will enhance the flavors of both instead of competing against each other. And it’s always better to go a step up in sweetness than a level down. While Valentine’s Day often calls for Champagne, it’s best to abstain while consuming chocolate. Although delicious, its dry and astringent nature doesn’t pair well with the confection.

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Dark Chocolate There are many varieties of dark chocolate from slightly bitter to very bitter. That has to be taken into account when selecting the best pairing since both dark chocolate and wine contain tannins, and the intense concentration of these on the palate would not be favorable. So, be sure to pair a high-percentage cocoa chocolate with a more full-bodied wine such as a Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Grenache or Malbec. A nice vintage port would also work well.

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Milk Chocolate

White Chocolate

Flavored Chocolate

Made from less cacao but with a high amount of sugar, milk chocolate is a favorite among many chocolate aficionados and much easier to pair with a wide variety of wines since the milk content makes it milder. Lighter, fruitier wines and reds with a lower alcohol content pair well, as do fortified wines like Muscat or Tokay. A Lambrusco, Riesling, Moscato Noir, and other aged reds also work. A ruby port would be a nice complement too.

While not technically a “true chocolate,” it’s still a favorite of many. Made from cocoa butter, a high concentration of sugar and cream, white chocolate is delectably sweet and due to the cream, high in fat. It’s this fat that brings out the flavors and notes of a sweet wine. Wines such as a Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and a Moscato d’Asti pair nicely. A rosé port is also a nice accompaniment to this type of chocolate.

When choosing the best pairings, it’s important to factor in what other ingredients are in the chocolate, such as nuts, fruit and caramels. Most aged sparkling reds pair very well with flavored chocolates. For a dark raspberry, a good choice would be a Cabernet, while a dark orange would be nice with a Botrytis Semillon. Pair a citrus-infused white chocolate with a Sauvignon Blanc and a hazelnut chocolate with a Brachetto d'Acqui for a flavorful and delicious combination.

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