
















2025 is here, and with it comes a fresh start, new possibilities, and a chance to kick off the year with positive energy. It’s a time to reflect on the past and get excited for all the things we’ll do together in the coming months.
Whether you’re involved in local projects, connecting with neighbors, or supporting each other in small ways, it all matters and strengthens our community.
As we dive into January, we’ve got a lot to look forward to. This issue reflects some of my favorite new years resolutions: staying healthy physically, mentally, financially, and in our home spaces. Resolutions are an opportunity to start over again and again!
Let’s make this month one where we keep building on what we’ve already accomplished, and continue supporting each other through whatever comes next. Together, we’ve got this!
Looking forward to an awesome year ahead with all of you!
CHRISTINE MCKENNA-TIRELLA, PUBLISHER @ASBURYPARKCITYLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Christine McKenna-Tirella christine.tirella@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Ed Condran | ed.condran@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Cary Zackman | cary.zackman@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kartheek Hedge
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY
1110 State Route 35 South
Ocean, NJ 07712
732-660-9000
falcoscatering.com
It’s the perfect time to start planning your special day, and Falco’s Catering is here to help make your vision a reality. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our dedicated team is ready to create a memorable culinary experience tailored just for you. Reach out today to discuss your ideas, explore menu options, and let us help you craft the perfect day for your wedding. Your love story deserves a delicious beginning!
We specialize in off-site catering, but if you’re seeking a more affordable and traditional option, we have the ideal venue for you! The Renaissance, located in Ocean Township just miles from the beach, offers a beautiful setting for your celebration.
Full Service Contractor, based in Asbury Park, is seeking a part-time adminstrative assistant. Flexible hours, great pay, and an awesome team! For more details, visit @c.henry.painting or email c.henrypaint@gmail.com
Matt Lee and Fran Griffin have been selected as the Grand Marshals for the 2025 parade, a prestigious honor that acknowledges their significant contributions to Irish-American culture and the parade’s enduring tradition. Both are highly respected members of the community, and their selection celebrates their commitment to preserving the vibrant Irish heritage that is so deeply rooted in Belmar and on the shore!
For over 84 years, Maghan Insurance has been helping customers save time, money, and gain peace of mind with personalized insurance policies tailored to meet their unique needs. They are excited to welcome two new employees, Michael Daneman and Sarah Maes to their team.
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.
1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.
2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.
3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.
4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*
These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.
Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate chips as desired
Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.
BRING AND KEEP ORDER IN YOUR HOME
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE MCKENNA-TIRELLA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARTHEEK HEDGE
Leigh, the owner and founder of Orderleigh Home, is a wife, sister, and mother to three children. Before becoming a home organizer, Leigh had a successful career in merchandising and had no plans of leaving that path. However, when her career ended due to a corporate restructuring, she saw it as a blessing and embraced her new life as a stay-at-home mom.
Although she loved her new role, Leigh quickly realized she missed working outside the house. She wanted to find a way to balance focusing on her family while using her talents to help others.
Leigh has always had a penchant for organization and her sister used to joke that Leigh had “lists for lists.” Leigh started seeing the field of home organizers grow and she began to wonder, “Could I really start a business doing what I love?”
That’s when Orderleigh Home was born.
CONTINUED >
Leigh’s first client was a friend who trusted her with a massive pantry (she actually lived next door), followed by a brave soul who found her through a Facebook recommendation page. Leigh laughs when thinking back to their first conversation: “Hi, I have zero experience and I’m starting this brand-new business... but let me into your home to organize all of your things!” It’s funny to look back, considering that Orderleigh Home has now served over 200 clients and continues to grow.
What started as a solo venture has grown into a team. Leigh and her team focus on blending function and design in every space they work in— whether it’s closets, pantries, or even garages and storage areas. They’ve organized it all!
As Orderleigh grew, it quickly became clear that a team was essential for tackling larger projects and ensuring faster completion. The team came together organically, starting with Leigh’s sister-in-law, who is naturally organized and has a great eye for style. Then, three friends joined, looking for something to
do while their kids were in school. The final two team members were found through connections—one through a friend and the other via Instagram. Each person brings something unique to the table, and together, the team dives into every project seamlessly, without needing much direction.
At Orderleigh , the team prides itself on being a full-service organization, dedicated to easing the stress of organizing. They understand that organizing can feel overwhelming, so they work to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Clients trust them to create a comfortable, judgment-free space as they help sort through belongings.
The team is made up of full-time moms, so they can relate to clients on many levels—between them, they have 17 kids! They also come from a diverse range of careers, including fashion merchandising, nursing, pharmaceutical sales, operations, luxury wine and spirits, fitness training, and more. Each member brings a unique skill set and expertise, which helps the team tackle any challenge that comes their way.
The team aims to complete one project a day to minimize disruption to clients’ lives. While larger projects may take longer, most are completed within a single day, which is satisfying for both the team and the clients.
Do you wish your home didn’t look so cluttered? Does it make you stressed when you walk in the door? Do you waste time looking for things you know you have, but you can’t find it?
GETTING ORGANIZED CAN SAVE YOU SO MANY THINGS:
1. Saves Time! 1 hour a day spent looking for things, translates to 7 hours a week, 28 per month and 365 hours per year!
2. Saves Money! Aside from the initial investment of baskets, bins and organizing materials, aka “PRODUCTS” seeing and knowing what you have doesn’t lead to overbuying. And knowing what fits in each space means you don’t buy things you don’t have space for. Don’t forget to share this information with your partner when they see the bill from the container store!
3. Saves your sanity – This should really be reason number one! You are losing your mind looking for things that you know you have, but can’t find. Stop that nonsense right now!
4. Being organized can help you let go of things. We know it’s hard to part with items, especially when emotions are tied to them. The good news is that organizing is a skill we can teach, helping you separate the emotion from your belongings. While this could be its own topic, it’s great to start with the pantry, where emotions usually aren’t as strong. Expired items are easy to replace, and there’s no attachment to tossing those granola bars your kids loved last month but don’t want today!
5. Lastly, being organized feels like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders and that you can breathe easier. It provides a sense a calm and easiness that wasn’t there before. So many of our clients comment on how they are happier and more relaxed after a project is complete. You can really think more clearly – as can everyone in your home.
ARTICLE BY CITY LIFESTYLE
STAFF- ASBURY PARK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KARTHEEK HEDGE
According to a study in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness people who work out with a friend or in group classes are 50% more likely to continue exercising regularly after six months than those who go it alone. If you feel intimidated by starting back at working out regularly, struggling to stay on a workout schedule, or working out but craving more community, working out with a group will help you get and stay on track.
We stopped in with The Max Challenge Ocean, to get expert advice on how create healthy workout habits for 2025 and beyond.
CREATE COMMUNITY WITH YOUR WORKOUT THIS YEAR
“IT’S CLEAR THAT WORKING OUT WITH A PARTNER OR IN A GROUP SETTING BRINGS A LOT OF BENEFITS. FROM BETTER MOTIVATION AND PERFORMANCE TO MORE FUN, SAFETY, AND CONSISTENCY, HAVING A WORKOUT BUDDY CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY. WHETHER IT’S FRIENDLY COMPETITION, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, OR SIMPLY HAVING SOMEONE TO SHARE THE EXPERIENCE WITH, WORKING OUT TOGETHER CAN HELP YOU GET BETTER RESULTS AND ENJOY THE PROCESS MORE.”
INCREASED MOTIVATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Study on Motivation : Research from the University of Aberdeen shows that people who work out with a partner or in a group stick to their fitness routines better. The study found a 40% higher adherence to workouts when people exercised together rather than alone.
Accountability : A Strava survey found that 35% of people felt more motivated to exercise when they had a workout buddy, and 30% felt more committed to their goals with someone by their side.
BETTER PERFORMANCE AND INTENSITY
If you dedicate an hour a day, you want to make the most of it. “You come into a place like this, where everybody is focused on the same thing,” Miller said. “They want to be healthy. They’re here at the same time, every day, five days a week.”
SOCIAL CONNECTION AND ENJOYMENT
S ocial interaction makes exercising more enjoyable and gave a sense of camaraderie.
The environment is welcoming at Max Challenge. “It’s non judgemental,” instructor Jennifer Wolff said. “Everyone’s at their own pace, their own level.”
The vibe is positive. “Everybody is encouraging,” instructor Tammy Deigert said. “We become a little family. We get to know each other.”
It’s such a unique experience at Max Challenge Ocean that the gym has added to the lexicon. Those who work out at Max Challenge are “maxifying” their potential.
CONTINUED >
1. Increased Motivation and Accountability: Taking on a challenge like The Max Challenge of 50 for 50 is rewarding and helps with helathy habit formation.
2. Better Performance and Intensity. Having a coach beside you will help you work at the right level for you.
3. Social Connection and Enjoyment. You come for the workout, but you stay for the friends. “As we age, or friend circle can shrink,” Miller says, “But here people make friends of all walks of life.”
4. Variety and Creativity. The programming is done for you, just show up!
5. Safety and Support. Trust you are doing the moves right!
6. Friendly Competition. That’s always fun, right?
Variety in Exercise : A Gympass survey found that 49% of people were more likely to try new activities or workout routines when they had a partner. A workout buddy can encourage you to try new exercises or classes you might not attempt on your own.
Creative Workouts : The University of Sydney found that people working out in pairs reported feeling less bored with their routine and were more likely to mix things up with different exercises.
The only competition in Max Challenge Ocean is with yourself. “It’s not about keeping up with anybody else,” Miller said. “It’s trying to do a little better today than you did yesterday, right? And that’s all you need to do. Can I push a little harder? What muscles am I trying to use right now? Those are the things that we really try to get them as we’re going through the workout, trying to get them to really focus on not being mindless.”
Habit Formation : A study by behavioral scientist Gretchen Rubin found that people who work out with a partner are 30% more likely to turn exercise into a longterm habit. The social bond and accountability make it easier to stick with a consistent routine.
Friendly Competition helps Increase Effort, having someone to compete with can push you to put in more effort, but that’s where your coach comes in. Miller loves her job since it’s a different experience everyday with an eclectic group of people who are up to the Max Challenge every day. “I enjoy still getting up and coming to work every day,” Miller said. “All walks of life we’ve got. It’s crazy, the different personalities in here. We’ve got young moms, people that own their own business, prosecutors. Young, old, everyone is welcome.”
“If it’s your first day, we’ll say, hey, don’t try to compete with the person beside you, just take your time. We are here to help you process, at your pace” Miller recommends.
“Start with one day at a time, we will help you go step by step.”
It’s clear that working out with a partner or in a group setting brings a lot of benefits. From better motivation and performance to more fun, safety, and consistency, having a workout buddy can make a big difference in your fitness journey. Whether it’s friendly competition, emotional support, or simply having someone to share the experience with, working out together can help you get better results and enjoy the process more.
Single Family Home Sales: 59
Average Sales Price: $811,139
Average DOM: 34
Condo Sales: 75
Average Sales Price: $863,443
Average DOM: 42
Single Family Home Sales: 2
Average Sales Price: $1,861,000
Average DOM: 41
Single Family Home Sales: 4
Average Sales Price: $2,177,250
Single Family Home Sales: 48
Average Sales Price: $919,168
Average DOM: 25
Condo Sales: 5
Average Sales Price: $625,199
Average DOM: 22
Single Family Home Sales: 1
Average Sales Price: $3,900,000 DOM: 143
Single Family Home Sales: 42
(As of November 27, 2024)
Guided 44+ individuals/families to buy, sell and rent in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
Achieved the RE/MAX 100% Sales Club Award based on closed gross commissions.
For the month of July, ranked in the top 100 RE/MAX NJ sales agents.
Was one of the top 3 agents in my office and also 3rd in YTD sales.
If you need help with real estate in 2025, give me a call! I can help you acheive your goals! Stats are as reported by the Monmouth MLS on 11/27/24
Average DOM: 31
Average Sales Price: $646,853
Average DOM: 19
Single Family Home Sales: 4
Average Sales Price: $633,854
Average DOM: 28
Cell: 732-508-7402 Email: mcarroll@remax.net URL: www.MCsellsbythesea.com
HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE MEAL PREP FOR YOUR LIFE!
If you find yourself skipping meals because you don’t have time, or if you believe eating healthy is unaffordable, fear not and read on! As a dietitian, I can tell you that eating healthy is easier than you think if you follow these tips:
ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN-AYOADE, MBA, MS, RD, LD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
YOU CAN STILL HAVE A VARIETY OF HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS FOODS BY PLANNING AND PREPPING YOUR MEALS FOR THE WEEK.
• Preparing whole meals or dishes ahead of time saves a lot of time for busy people.
• Ingredients required for specific meals can be prepped ahead of time to reduce total cooking time in the kitchen.
• Having pre-prepared meals on hand can also reduce portion size and help you reach your nutrition and wellness goals.
• Choose microwave and freezer safe containers for proper storage, including BPA-free plastic, flexible silicone or glassware containers.
CHOOSE INGREDIENTS THAT ARE VERSATILE AND CAN BE USED IN MULTIPLE MEALS TO REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY.
• Example: Choose familiar recipes for tacos, chili or spaghetti in the same week to use all your ground beef or turkey. I brown the ground beef and portion it in freezer bags flattened out for space saving freezing and time-saving cooking.
• Pre-cut vegetables can be used for fresh ready-to-eat meals that do not require cooking, like salads and sandwiches or as part of a cooked recipe. Include leftovers in meal planning.
• I also cut up ripe fresh fruits and freeze them to use in smoothies instead of throwing them out.
• Frozen fruits and vegetables often cost less and last longer than fresh ones. They retain high-quality nutrients because they are frozen immediately after being harvested.
• Most frozen vegetables have no additives and preservatives, but some may contain added seasonings, salt, sugar or sauces. Avoid added ingredients by paying attention to the label and ingredient list.
MAKE A GROCERY LIST BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING.
• A list helps limit distractions, keep you on budget, restricts unhealthy impulse purchases and reduces multiple trips for forgotten items.
• Buy kitchen staples to have on hand to make quick simple meals like canned tomatoes, tuna fish or salmon, corn, your favorite beans and grains such as rice, quinoa, barley, farro and whole grain pasta.
• Plan your menus based on grocery store sales and produce that are in season and add beans for plantbased protein.
• Buy extra staples when they are on sale, and don’t overlook the bulk bins to buy just the amount you need.
• Buy pre-prepped items in the grocery store to further save time or use the salad bar for small servings.
TRY NOT TO GROCERY SHOP WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY.
• Everything looks delicious when you are hungry, and this could lead to unnecessary and unhealthy food purchases.
• The additional calories may not be needed, and food could be wasted if not eaten.
HEALTHY SNACKS ARE POSSIBLE.
The total amount of snacks you prepare will depend on the required number of snacks planned daily, based on your health and wellness goals.
MY SNACKS OF CHOICE INCLUDE:
• Nut butters with crackers or pretzels
• Fresh fruit (whole or pre-cut)
• Sliced vegetables
• String cheese, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hummus
• Home-made trail mix with dried fruit, unsalted nuts and seeds, to limit sugar and sodium intake
Portioning snacks during your overall meal prep prevents mindless snacking without knowing how much you are actually eating.
Claudia Martin-Ayoade, MBA, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at agesmartnutrition.com
A Delicious Mocktail to Savor Without the Alcohol.
ARTICLE
INGREDIENTS
ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
• 5 tablespoons pear juice
• 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
• Sparkling water to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP
Combine sugar and water in a pot and cook over medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and toss in rosemary sprigs. Cool completely.
HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
Pour pear juice, rosemary simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water into a glass. Add ice and garnish if desired.
INGREDIENTS
THYME SIMPLE SYRUP
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup fresh thyme
GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/3 cup thyme syrup
• Ice
INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP:
Combine water and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil and then simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and add fresh thyme and steep.
HOW TO MAKE GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL
Rim glass with sugar if desired. Fill glass with ice. Add 3 tablespoons thyme syrup to each glass and fill up with 1/2 cup grapefruit juice and approximately 1 cup sparkling water. Garnish.
INGREDIENTS
BUTTER BEER
• 2 liters of cream soda
• 2 tablespoons butter extract
• 2 teaspoons rum extract
CREME TOPPING
• 7 ounce container of marshmallow creme or fluff
• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon rum extract
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the rum extract and butter extract to the 2 liters of cream soda. Close lid and gently mix. Prepare the topping by combining the marshmallow creme, whipping cream and rum extract. Beat on high for a few minutes until peaks appear. Add a few tablespoons of whipped topping to the bottom of glass. Pour cream soda over topping. Enjoy!
20 Ridge Ave is a beautifully renovated home that is now Under Contract. Listed at $600,000 this house received multiple offers and have accepted a price well above what
JANUARY 12TH
The House of Independents, 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 | 1:00 PM
Want to plan most of your wedding all in one day? Elegant Bridal wedding shows put you in the room with dozens of premium wedding vendors, so you can find your dress, entertainment, catering, and more all in one place. A premium wedding-prep experience, enter to win a free honeymoon and special gifts! Register now to attend a show! https:// www.elegantbridal.com/bridalshow
JANUARY 16TH – 19TH
Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 | 6:30 PM
Light of Day Presents 25th Anniversary WinterFest Kick-Off! The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson’s disease and its related illnesses ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) within our lifetime. Get more details at https://www.lightofday.org/
JANUARY 31ST
Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 | 9:00 PM
Remember Jones brings a special New Year’s Eve celebration with a 10-piece band for his debut at the Wonder Bar. An Asbury Park native, he’s shared stages with icons like Bruce Springsteen and Dionne Warwick. Honored by Rolling Stone and Paste, he’s also received Monmouth Arts’ Artistic Achievement Award and has performed across the U.S. to sold-out crowds. 21yrs+