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Portsmouth, NH May 2026

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Ladies Issue

There’s something truly special about taking a moment to recognize the women in our lives who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it’s our mothers, daughters, friends, or colleagues, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.

With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women—biological mothers and mother figures alike—who have made an unforgettable impact on us. It’s the teachers, the friends, the neighbors, and the family members who offer their love, wisdom, and support in countless ways.

This month, as we celebrate these remarkable women, I also want to encourage you to support local businesses owned by women in our community. One of my favorite parts of this job is connecting with and championing the incredible women here in Portsmouth. From movers and shakers to makers and builders, these women bring so much to the table, both seen and unseen. Their contributions, often behind the scenes, create beauty and impact that cannot be replicated.

Take a moment this month to recognize the women in your life. Send a text, make a phone call, or arrange a video call with the women who have made a difference for you. It’s a simple but powerful way to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they’re loved.

Here’s to celebrating the women who make life so much more meaningful. Happy Mother’s Day and cheers to the ladies who inspire us every day! BLAKE FOSTER, PUBLISHER

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Blake Foster | blake.foster@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY

SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

P O R T S M O U T H ’ S F A V O R I T E N I G H T T O S H O P L O C A L

O N T H E 3 T H U R S D A Y O F R D T H E M O N T H F R O M 4 – 7 P M

Over 25 local retailers host special promotions, pop -ups, and unique in-store experiences, creating an evening full of discover y, connection, and shopping small.

PARTICIPATING RETAILERS

THE SEACOAST DWELLINGS TEAM SD

ELEVATING YOUR LIFESTYLE, ONE HOME AT A TIME

Liz Levey-Pruyn, Realtor®, Licensed in ME & NH

LISTING AGENT | BUYER AGENT

175 Market Street #1, Portsmouth, NH, 03801 603 502 7014 | 603 501 0463 x754

Liz@seacoastdwellings com

Protecting wealth and lifestyles

As a financial professional, I donʼt see my role as predicting the future. I see it as helping people prepare for it—so unexpected medical events, market shifts, or life changes donʼt derail their goals.

At the core of my approach is control and flexibility. I want my clients—not the IRS—to dictate the rules around their assets.

Lawrence “Larry” Laryea

Financial Professional | New York Life Insurance Company

Manchester, NH | 607-240-7753 | llaryea@ft.newyorklife.com

business monthly

Congratulations Jenn Meconi!

Meconi Financial Management & Advisory proudly announces that Practice Manager Jenn Meconi has earned the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP®) designation. This achievement reflects her dedication to advanced financial education and personalized client service. The program covers retirement, estate planning, risk management, taxes, and cash flow strategies. Jenn’s expanded expertise strengthens the team’s ability to support families through holistic, multi-generational financial planning while continuing the firm’s commitment to thoughtful guidance, partnership, and meaningful client relationships.

Scan to read more

Meconi Financial Management & Advisory

What you can expect when you work with us

At Meconi Financial Management & Advisory, you are supported by a team of professionals, dedicated to the highest levels of client service. We strive for excellence by providing:

• 1:1 financial advice based on your goals and needs.

• Personalized recommendations for a diversified portfolio, and solutions to help protect you from uncertainty.

• Regular meetings to review your goals, progress, and investments.

• Anytime access to your investments and digital tools to help you stay on track.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard

Enjoy your trip from the

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APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

Supplies:

• Flowers of your choice

• Scissors

• Twine or floral tape

• Ribbon (optional)

Decorate Your Space With a DIY Floral Design

Spring: the days grow longer, weather turns warmer, and the earth’s greenery starts to make its reappearance. During this time, flowers shoot up from the ground in a ballet of colors and movement. Walking outside becomes a cherished moment to breathe the fresh air and immerse yourself in lush surroundings. Being inside your home turns dreary and dull, everything that thrives is now outside, but this can easily be remedied. Why not bring some life inside? Make a spring floral bouquet to lighten up your space. Flowers add color and character to any room that needs a little lift, and our step-by-step guide will inspire you to create something grand.

• Decorative paper (optional)

• Bouquet sleeve (optional)

“Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.”

Directions:

Step 1: When creating a beautiful floral arrangement, the first thing to do is decide on a color scheme and prepare the flowers.  Have fun deciding what colors you want to play with. Perhaps go pastel for spring or match the hues to other decor items in your house. Once you have picked your flowers, you need to do a little prep work. First, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from the stems. Then make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of all the flowers. This allows each bloom to soak up as much water as they need.

Step 2: Now it’s arranging time — think focal and filler. The best way to start the arranging process is by choosing your most interesting or favorite flowers — this will be your focal point. Hold the focal flower(s) upright and add your supporting blooms around it. Make sure to turn the bouquet as you build so that the design is as desired. Once this is complete, add your filler flowers to finalize the look. Filler options include baby’s breath, ivy, fern, eucalyptus and more.

Step 3: Let’s get ready to tie. Once you’ve arranged your bouquet, tie all the stems together using twine or floral tape. If using twine, we recommend securing it in a small bow in case you would like to rearrange at any given time. Floral tape is easy to move on and off for this purpose as well.

Step 4: Add the finishing touches. At this point, you are almost done with your bouquet and all that’s left is embellishments. There are so many ways to further adorn your creation: one way we love is to wrap it in fun decorative paper or put it in a special sleeve made just for flowers. If this idea isn’t for you, we recommend going to Pinterest for inspiration. Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.

At Silverstone Living, your next chapter begins with choice, connection, and confidence. Whether you're looking for the walkable charm of Downtown Nashua at Hunt Community or the refined comfort of The Huntington at Nashua, both Life Plan Communities offering long-term security and peace of mind you’ll find a setting that supports the lifestyle you want today and the care you may need tomorrow

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guidance for families navigating special needs planning.

When a loved one has special needs, planning isn’t just about money. It’s about protecting routines, opportunities, and the life you’ve built together. Our team includes a Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) who helps families navigate trusts, benefits, and long-term financial decisions so every decision supports the future they deserve.

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!

DELIGHT MOM WITH HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.

CLASSIC BELGIAN WAFFLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 eggs, separated

• 1¾ cups milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4.  In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.

5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour in enough batter to cover the surface and cook until golden brown and crisp.

Serving Suggestions:

Top the waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

This simple yet elegant breakfast is a heartfelt way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

BREAKFAST Mother’s Day

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATTI NOBLE

SPRINGTIME cheer

Whether you're catching up with your closest friends on a sunny spring afternoon or savoring a well-spent day with your mom, sister or aunt, there's something special about gathering over a pitcher of crisp, refreshing white sangria. This bright, flavorful, fruit-filled cocktail is the perfect companion for laughter, stories, meaningful conversation, and making memories with the ones who know you best. Cheers to friendship and a glass half full!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle dry rosé wine, or white wine*

• 1 cup vodka**

• 1 cup sliced or chunked strawberries

• 2 medium limes, sliced into thin wheels, more for garnish

• 2 medium lemons or oranges sliced into thin wheels

• 1 1/2 cups sparkling water, chilled

• Raspberries or Blackberries

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH A VIBRANT WHITE SANGRIA

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a pitcher, add the wine, vodka, strawberries, and citrus fruit slices. Stir well to combine.

2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

3. Pour into glasses (over ice, if desired), ensuring each glass gets strawberry and citrus slices, top with sparking water or seltzer.

4. Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel, and berries.

5. Enjoy with friends.

*Suggested wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier.

**Add extra flavor by using an infused vodka.

Planting Spring Flowers

Helpful tips for planting spring flowers

Sun-Loving Plants:

Spring is here! We compiled a list of flowers that - depending on your planting zone - can be planted in the season.

Plumbago

Has beautiful dark blue or white flowers on a large shrub of 3 to 5 feet. This tends to freeze down in winter and comes back from roots in the spring.

Hibiscus

The tropical variety will not survive the winters so move those pots inside. The plant can get up to 5 feet tall and there are many different colors and varieties. The perennial varieties will freeze to the ground but come back in the spring. The variety Moy Grande is known as the dinner plate hibiscus. The Texas star hibiscus has beautiful flowers in red or white.

Bougainvillea

These colorful plants can be planted in baskets and pots, not in water-logged or low areas where water might collect. They will grow best when given enough space to spread out, and should be planted in an area that will allow them a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. Colors include orange, pink, purple, white, red, tangerine and fuschia to name a few.

Purslane

This is great in baskets for trailing leaves with lots of colors. The bees love it!

Butterfly Weed

This 3 to 4-foot bush is a must for monarch lovers. Monarchs feed on the leaves before making their cocoons. It has beautiful orange and yellow flowers.

Shade-Loving Plants:

Lantana

This is a great hot weather plant that comes in many colors and varieties. Trailing varieties only get about 1 foot tall but can get 3 to 4 feet wide. There are bush varieties that get 4 feet tall and dwarf bushes only get about 2 feet tall. It comes in yellows, purples, reds, oranges, pinks, fuchsia, and many others.

Gregg’s Blue Mist

This fuzzy light blue flower is a butterfly favorite.

Pentas

This is another bee and butterfly favorite that grows about 10 to 12 inches tall. There is a graffiti variety in different colors that works in beds or pots.

Vinca/Periwinkle

This plant comes in upright or trailing varieties. There are many colors to choose from: lavender, white with a red center, peach, white and red, pink to strawberry.

Sages

There are many varieties of sage. The Texas sage is a shrub that has beautiful lavender flowers - a favorite for bees. They usually bloom around the time it rains. Henry Duelberg variety is a smaller bush 18 to 20 inches tall with blue stalks of blooms. Russian Sage is a tall silver lacey foliage with light blue flower spikes and grows to 4 feet tall. Deer tend to stay away from most of the sages.

Turk’s Cap

This plant makes a large bush of red or pink flowers. It has low water needs once established and can tolerate drought conditions and hot temperatures. Prune back plant in winter if it gets too leggy.

Impatiens

These need more water than most other plants and come in many colors. They are valued for their vibrant colors, abundant blooms, and tolerance for shade.

Caladiums

With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.

UNPLUG HAVE FUN! &

Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.

Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.

Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!

“READY OR NOT, IT’S TIME TO PLAY!”

CHILDHOOD GAMES

TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.

SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!

FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.

RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.

MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.

KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.

DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.

There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!

Backyard Whimsy

Creating a Kid-Friendly Backyard Space

This adorable outdoor play space is not only easy and inexpensive to build, but it is full of charm and the perfect spot for the kids to play and lounge. The A-frame structure is easily customizable to any style and color scheme desired. Leave the wood bare, or add flare with paint or stain. An outdoor clubhouse provides a space that allows kids

to make it their own and to let their imaginations run wild spending time outdoors.

For this project, we visited our local hardware store to get all the necessary  supplies we needed. The deck is an 8 x 10 decking so  there is no need to cut down the length of any boards and pressure treated wood was used. First, dig holes

CONTINUED >

18 inches down to put the  footers, which is a 4 x 4 x 8 treated  post, and cut those into two foot lengths. Next, pour quick set concrete in the holes. Add water, and set the posts in and let it dry. We used lag screws to attach the base 2 x  10’s to the corner posts, and then 2 x 6’s  for the joists with metal hangers. Now time to put on the decking boards with exterior screws. Don’t forget to constantly check with a level.  Once the decking is  finished, now it is time for the fun!

For the A frame you need a 60-degree angle at the top of the A, and a 30-degree  angle at the bottom. You can run a 4 x 4 along the decking to attach the A frame to which adds a bit of height so adults can stand in it as well. Use heavy duty exterior screws to attach the A frame 2 x 4’s to the structure. The top of the A comes together and is held by exterior screws. For the roofing, we used 8-foot corrugated clear panels and screwed those into the A frame for a weather protecting cover. We left  three feet uncovered so a chair and some pots with herbs and flowers could be added to the entrance. Decorate with outdoor pillows, a children’s table, outdoor rug  and hanging flower pots to make it feel like a special place for kids to go. If entertaining friends, a few simple charcuterie boards are always a hit.

HOW TO DESIGN A RELAXING SPACE

ARTICLE BY EMILY FOSTER INTERIORS

INVESTING IN HOME DESIGN CAN GIVE YOU A PEACEFUL SANCTUARY WHERE YOU CAN ESCAPE FROM THE STRESSES OF DAILY LIFE. SO GO AHEAD, TAKE THE PLUNGE AND REVAMP YOUR LIVING SPACES – IT’S WORTH EVERY PENNY!

There are many things that can help a room feel relaxing, but let’s keep it simple and focus on my top three. I would say that one must incorporate good lighting, great textures, and a decluttered space to truly get the cozy vibes. Let’s tackle each.

GOOD LIGHTING

It is imperative that there are multiple sources of light in a space. A room needs a soft warm light, so I always like to use a light bulb between 2,700k and 3,000k. Also, and I see this so many times, all lights should have the same temperature light bulb to avoid clashing. It’s not enough to just have recessed or pendant lighting. I always add a table or floor lamp to a space to truly have ambient light.  Also, candles are a must for me. They can be scented candles (an extra way to add relaxation) or I like to use remote control tapered candles, so I don’t have to worry about cleaning up wax later.

GREAT TEXTURES

Textures are seen in toss pillows, rugs, draperies, throw blankets and furniture upholstery. Textures add color, pattern and visual interest. I like to use at least three different textures to help a room feel lived-in and welcoming.

DECLUTTERING

So many times, a person thinks that every nook and cranny and every wall need to have something, and this is not the case. A decluttered space is actually more relaxing because overcrowding of items doesn’t quiet the mind. Decluttering a space can be overwhelming, I get it, so just do it in stages. You’ll love the outcome when the room is tidy, organized and you are only surrounded with what brings you joy.

invest inyour living space

R E I N V I S I O N E D A designer’s eye where vision is realized and art becomes life. Say “yes” to the possibilities! sheri@reinandco com | 630-619-9872 @reinandcodesign | Sheri Rein Gibson

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS MAY 2026

MAY 9TH AND 10TH

Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals

Strawbery Banke Museum, 14

Hancock St., Portsmouth | 10:00 AM

Celebrate spring with heritage-breed baby animals, heirloom gardens, and historic landscapes. Meet lambs and other baby animals while learning their role in farming history. Enjoy live demonstrations like oxen at work, sheep shearing, sheepdog trials, and honey extraction. Families can try hands-on gardening, explore historic houses and gardens, and shop the plant sale. For more info visit strawberybanke.org

MAY 15TH AND 16TH

Rye Driftwood Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale

Goss Farm, 251 Harbor Rd., Rye | 9:00 AM

We have something for everyone. Perennials, annuals, sun and shade plants, pollinator favorites, grasses, bake sale, garden-themed treasures, and more! Proceeds are used to support RDGC’s monthly speakers, giving back projects, and our grant program.   For more information, visit our website:  ryenhgardenclub.org Cash and Check only

PREMIERES MAY 28TH

Mean Girls - The Musical

The Seacoast Repertory Theater, 125 Bow St., Portsmouth | 7:30 PM

From the mind of Tina Fey, the hilarious and high-energy musical adaptation of the iconic hit film is here, proving that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung. For tickets and times please visit seacoastrep.org

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