Bridgewater, NJ May 2024

Celebrating Inspirational Women

BEAUTY

MEET MISS NEW JERSEY

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Who Runs the World? Celebrating Women This May

Dear Readers,

I don’t know about you, but I cherish any chance to celebrate the remarkable women who bring so much richness and beauty into our lives. From our wives and mothers to our daughters and beyond, these incredible individuals leave an indelible mark on our hearts.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on all moms, both biological and the maternal figures who have shaped us. Whether it’s family members, teachers, friends or neighbors, these women pour their hearts into our communities, leaving an unforgettable legacy.

As a proud mother of four daughters, my home is always buzzing with feminine energy! People often react with humor when they hear about my four girls, either sympathizing with my husband or comparing the challenges of raising daughters to sons. But in my eyes, having daughters is an absolute joy—they’re the glue that holds our family together.

Speaking of my daughters, let me tell you, times have changed since I was a kid. They are obsessed with fancy, customizable water bottles and high-end skincare. Seriously, my fifth-grader’s face cream costs more than mine! But hey, if it keeps them glowing like they’ve found the fountain of youth, who am I to argue?

While supporting local businesses is always important, let’s make a special effort this month to patronize establishments owned by the remarkable women in our communities. As someone who runs a business herself, I understand the dedication and passion these female entrepreneurs bring to their ventures.

They are the movers and shakers, the builders and makers, often working tirelessly behind the scenes. Their silent service and attention to detail bless those under their care in ways that are truly profound.

So, take a moment this May to reach out to the women in your life who deserve recognition. Whether it’s a text, a call, or a virtual chat with your kids, a small gesture can go a long way in brightening someone’s day and reminding them of your love.

Happy May, everyone! Let’s celebrate the amazing women who make our world a better place.

Warm regards, TIFFANY

JAKE SLOWINSKI, PUBLISHERS @BRIDGEWATER_SOMERSET_HILLS

May 2024

PUBLISHERS

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Patti Zielinski | patti.zielinski@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stacy Ling, Carly Mac Manus, Nancy A. Ruhling

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Gornick, Stacy Ling, MuSen Photos by Karen Kwong, Liz Polo (Havana Photography),

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BRIDGEWATER

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Departments

Flower Dreams

Glamour & Glory

Teaching with

city scene

1-14: Bridgewater City Lifestyle magazine honored its Readers’ Choice Award winners at Delta Hotels by Marriott Basking Ridge.

Photography by MuSen Photos by Karen Kwong

flower DREAMS

A FRIENDSHIP—AND THRIVING BUSINESS—BLOSSOMS IN RARITAN

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZ POLO, HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY

From the time Lucy Sandler was a child, she used to love picking wild flowers for her mother. As an adult, she officially fell in love with flowers while working at a flower shop in New Brunswick where she attended Rutgers University.

Dana Kane has always been a creative, finding beauty in every corner of her world. As a kid, Kane stood in the outfield during recreation softball games, crouching down to search for four-leaf clovers and dandelions as fly balls whizzed overhead.

It was destined that their two lives would intersect, not only in friendship, but in business.

Sandler, who comes from a family of small business owners, opened House of Blooms in 2016, catering to weddings and special events. Pivoting to subscription sales during the 2020 shutdown, House of Blooms re-emerged after the pandemic by adding a retail component to the business.

The key to her success: her partner, Kane.

“Dana started in 2018, and I realized that she complimented me well, filling in the gaps,” Sandler says. “For example, I’m good at building operational procedures and Dana excels at holding myself and the rest of our team accountable, keeping us on schedule. So, I invited her to be my business partner and we really hit the ground running.”

“We’re like yin and yang,” Kane says. “We communicate constantly, it’s our number one rule. Lucy is the one who gets things going and I maintain us from there. We have a great dynamic.”

In 2023 the partners set about renovations to make their Raritan storefront walk-in friendly.

“When you come into our studio or shop online, you can find a variety of arrangements for every occasion, including orchids, plants and gourmet gift baskets,” Kane says.

In addition to their bespoke and locally sourced florals, they also seek out American-made items from small businesses for their custom-made gift baskets. “These are small businesses that are a labor of love, like ours, that stay intentionally small. These are not products you can find on Amazon,” Sandler says.

Dana Kane and Lucy Sandler

Owning a small business takes hard work and dedication. These friends and business partners put a lot of effort into not just preserving the wedding and event side of the business, but also expanding House of Blooms into a local destination for retail flowers and gifts.

“We have a blast working together in the design room,” Sandler says.

“Lucy has taught me how to let go and be a little less of a perfectionist, that it’s okay to be creative and a little messy,” Kane says. “After all, that is how beautiful things start.”

View arrangements for Mother’s Day and other occasions at HouseofBloomsNJ.com

GLAMOUR & GLORY

The pageant is about  setting an example for young women.

Try something different. Step proudly out of your comfort zone.

That’s the message that Victoria Cabrera, Bridgewater’s contestant in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant, wants to spread.

The 20-year-old New Jersey native who is studying human resources and labor relations at Rutgers University, will be competing at the Hilton Parsippany from June 21 to 23 with 120 other young women for the crown.

She tells her story:

Bridgewater isn’t just a town; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven into the fabric of my life. From the moment I arrived, it felt like home. I was born in Manville, but my roots in Bridgewater run deep, intertwined with memories of soccer games and cherished family moments.

The soccer field was my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the complexities of life and immerse myself in the pure

joy of the game. But when the tumultuous year of 2020 descended upon us, everything shifted. The pandemic brought challenges that tested my resilience, leading me down a path fraught with struggles, including the development of an eating disorder. However, in the midst of darkness, the light of Bridgewater’s community shone through, guiding me toward the support and resources I needed to embark on a journey of healing.

This became prolonged and stayed with me all throughout high school undiagnosed, until my senior year. BridgewaterRaritan High School was more than just an educational institution; it was a nurturing environment where teachers like Valerie Bonnet became not only educators but also guardians of my well-being. Their care and concern extended beyond the classroom, ultimately leading to the intervention that set me on the path to recovery.

Bridgewater is a vibrant tapestry woven into the fabric of my life.

Despite my decision to bid farewell to competitive soccer and focus on the next chapter of my life—college—I soon realized that something was missing. It was during this soul-searching period that I serendipitously stumbled upon the Miss New Jersey USA pageant—a beacon of opportunity in the sea of uncertainty. What began as a leap of faith has blossomed into a transformative odyssey of self-discovery and empowerment.

This pageant is one of the larger state pageants. I filled out the online application and had a phone interview with the state director, Michelle Zoglio. Then, surprisingly, I was on my way.

At first, I didn’t know what I was getting into. It took me a few weeks to realize this pageant is not just about me. It was about showing off Bridgewater to the world and setting an example for other young women, telling them to explore new things.

And boy have I had my experiences— from the bustling runways of New York Fashion Week to the intimate gatherings with local sponsors, each experience has enriched my journey, molding me into the confident, resilient individual I am today.

I’ve now hired a pageant coach, Fanny Aberu, and have learned how to master my walk in seven-inch heels. Who knew that would be so difficult?

I’ve picked up sponsors all around Bridgewater, Somerville, Bedminster, Hillsborough and Raritan. I am working very hard to promote them and to add even more sponsors.

This town and community itself is beautiful. There are so many places to go, and I have created fond memories all throughout Bridgewater. I have found my lifetime best friends here.

I see my role as a contestant as giving back to the community that has given me so much. Even before moving here, I made so many lasting connections. This town is welcoming, and I’m proud to wear the Bridgewater pageant sash.

Navigating the intricacies of the pageant world has been a whirlwind, yet amidst the glitz and glamour, my heart remains firmly rooted in the values instilled by Bridgewater’s warm embrace. Through my platform, Body Freedom, I aspire to ignite conversations, raise awareness and extend a compassionate hand to those grappling with eating disorders—a cause close to my heart.

The Miss New Jersey USA pageant is a three-day event: There’s a closed-door interview with the judges, a cocktail and dinner party for the contestants and lastly the contest, where I’ll be wearing a swimsuit and my evening gown.

The winner, along with getting to represent New Jersey in the Miss USA pageant, receives a $2,000 cash award, full-tuition $2,500 scholarship to the Leap Foundation and an additional $200 cash award.

In the beginning, I was nervous about entering the contest, but now I am looking forward to competing. I feel confident because I have the most supportive family by my side, and with my parents and especially my siblings looking up to me I know I can accomplish anything.

The pageant scene is all very new to my family and I, but they have accepted it so very well and I am beyond grateful to have the best people around me while I am still exploring and trying new things and have them in the front cheering me on.

Hair and makeup by Beverly Hills Hair Studio, Martinsville.

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TEACHING WITH INTENTION

Women Educators at Saint James School

Empower the Next Generation

ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN GORNICK

Carolyn Melcher

Meet the dedicated women shaping futures at Saint James School, each with decades of passion and commitment to nurturing young minds.

LINDA D’ALESSANDRO DANIELLE HARCOURT

Linda D’Alessandro has been at Saint James School for 18 years. She says she is inspired every day by the community around her.

“Saint James is more than just a job to me,” she says. “It is a family where everyone cares deeply about their students and co-workers. Being here does not feel like work. I look forward to coming to school each day since each day brings something new.”

After nearly 20 years as a teacher in the Saint James School, Danielle Harcourt says she looks forward to the smiles on the faces of the students every day. “I value teaching both as a vocation and as a mission,” she says. “God calls each one of us to use our gifts, and my gift is to influence and encourage the precious lives of children.”

Danielle Harcourt

HEATHER LEYHAN

Heather Leyhan says teaching is her passion after 22 years in the school. “Each year, I get a new group of students that I am able to inspire with a love for learning and a continuing thirst for knowledge. I cherish the relationships I have with colleagues and families. I have been able to watch children grow from babies to eighth grade,” she says. Leyhan also shared that nothing compares to knowing that you have had a positive influence on a child’s life.

CAROLYN MELCHER

Carolyn Melcher has taught pre-K to fourth grade for 17 years. “I am thrilled with the chance to have a child expand their love of learning in my classroom,” she says. “ Watching my students develop from September through June is an honor. I am proud to have the privilege of experiencing their changes in the classroom both academically and socially. Every August, I receive a class list. Those names become a piece of my heart for that year and for years to come.”

Learn more at sjsbr.org.

Heather Leyhan

Linda D'Alessandro

THIS MOTHER’S DAY, HOST AN AFTERNOON TEA PARTY FOR YOUR FAVORITE WOMEN

Mother’s Day can be a bit hectic at restaurants. Instead of the hustle and bustle of going out to dine, our family enjoys afternoon tea served in the comfort of our home.

Afternoon tea, also known as “low tea,” was traditionally served in the mid-afternoon on low tables with a light menu that focused on finger sandwiches and scones.

In the alternative, “high tea” was traditionally served on a high table shortly after 5 p.m. for working-class families where a hot meal was served.

It’s charming to recreate this tradition for Mother’s Day as a way to celebrate the moms in your life.

Start by setting a beautiful table with lots of linens, flowers and levels of food. It’s a special day, so break out the fine linens. If you have them, use tiered trays or cake stands. I like to use fresh spring blooms.

Choose a selection of teas like Earl Gray, English Breakfast and Chamomile. Select a menu with light bites that include finger sandwiches, quiches, muffins, scones, pastries, herbed butter and clotted cream.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY LING

ZUCCHINI QUICHE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• ¼ c diced red onion

• 1 large garlic clove, minced

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced thin about 1/4 inch or less (need roughly 3 cups)

• 6 large eggs

• ½ c half-and-half

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• Oregano

• few dashes pepper

• ½ c part-skim ricotta cheese

• 1 c shredded mozzarella separated into two 1/2 c portions

• Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

• Paprika

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. Sauté the onion, garlic and zucchini.

3. Beat the eggs with half-and-half, spices, ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.

4. Use your favorite pie crust recipe or roll out refrigerated pie crust.

5. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch deep pie dish. Using your fingers, press it firmly into the bottom and sides of the pie plate. Trim off any excess, leaving about 1/2-inch overhanging. Then fold/crimp the overhanging dough.

6. Add the sauteed veggies.

7. Pour the egg mixture on top.

8. Add mozzarella on top.

9. Top off with some sauteed zucchini slices.

10. Sprinkle with paprika.

11. Bake for 45 minutes.

12. Allow to set and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Note: It is best to pre-cook most vegetables. This allows them to cook more evenly, reducing the moisture in the quiche and intensifying the flavors. There are exceptions, however: Leafy greens like spinach or kale can be added raw as they wilt quickly in the hot custard and vegetables like onions and bell peppers can cook through during quiche baking if thinly sliced.

Be sure to drain any excess liquid after pre-cooking before adding the vegetables to your quiche filling to help keep it from getting too soggy.

Bernardsville lifestyle blogger Stacy Ling is the author of the new book  The Bricks ’n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy-Care Flower Garden. Follow Ling on your favorite social media channel @bricksnblooms.

For Maria Vraniak, owner of Osprey Lane Boutique in Somerville, spring heralds a time of flirty, fun fashion.

While the boutique typically carries more muted, neutral colors, this season one can expect hues like blues, greens, peaches and whites—or “more vibrant fun,” as Vraniak explains.

As people increasingly return to the office, look for more of a trouser pant with unrestricted movement, rather than your typical slacks made of a polyester blend. Pair with a blazer for a complete, polished look.

Sundresses, too, are bold and fun. “I like to carry boho dresses because the looser, flowing dresses are more flattering and inclusive of all body types,” she says. “The flow comes from a soft, polyester cotton blend that drapes the body and gives you a lot of movement.”

Embellishments like ties in the back, tassels with a fray, dangles with a bead on the shoulder and peekaboo lace bring an extra touch of allure to otherwise simple silhouettes. These details draw the eye, creating interest and intrigue, while also allowing for individual expression and style, Vraniak notes.

“The vibrant colors and details will be uplifting and will provide enthusiasm and excitement,” she says.

See more seasonal styles at Osprey-Lane.com.

The Gaia Button-Down Shirt features long sleeves, a button front with a cuff band, side slits and a curved high-low hem, making it a stylish and versatile addition to your wardrobe. The back yoke adds a touch of sophistication, while the finishing details make this shirt a must-have for any fashion lover.

The HW Cargo Jean pairs style and functionality. These high-rise white jeans feature straight legs and four convenient pockets. Perfect for any occasion, they will elevate your wardrobe while keeping your essentials close at hand.

Spring Is In The Air

Gaia Button-Down Shirt and HW Cargo Jean

Fun Fashion is the Flavor This Season— and Osprey Lane Has All the Looks

Made with a comfortable knit fabric and featuring ribbed cuffs and hem, the  Knit Long Sleeve Polo Sweater is the perfect combination of style and comfort. With its V-neck and waist-length fit, you'll look and feel great every time you wear it.

Experience the unbeatable combination of style and comfort with the cropped wide-leg  Riveter Denim Jumpsuit. The perfect blend of stretch denim and shirred shoulder short sleeves, this jumpsuit features a collared V-neck button front with front flaps and a self-tie belt.

Elevate your summer style with the  Loja Dress, a boho-inspired dress that features a flattering crossover V-neck and tiered design, which is perfect for any occasion. The orange and cream colors add a playful touch, while the tied sleeves with beads provide a unique detail.

ARTICLE BY ELLE BRIDGE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY OSPREY LANE

Knit Long Sleeve Polo Sweater

Riveter Denim Jumpsuit

Loja Dress

HOW A VISIT TO A MED SPA CAN HELP YOU LOOK NATURALLY YOUNGER

Restore Yourself

ARTICLE

BY ELLE BRIDGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN GORNICK

“People want to look better and younger without any major setbacks or downtime,” says Dr. Edward Buch, owner and operator of EDB Med Spa in Hillsborough, which offers a variety of cosmetic medical procedures in a resort-like setting, including laser hair removal, laser facial resurfacing, laser liposuction and platelet-rich plasma procedures.

Here, Dr. Buch discusses the ways that medical spa treatments can help people manage aging while maintaining a natural appearance.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT WHEN THEY COME TO YOUR MED SPA?

EDB Med Spa is a very inviting, relaxing space that’s meant to put you at ease. I conduct free consultations, where I give you an honest evaluation of how the procedure will work on you, and I’ll tell you if another modality would be better suited for you.

We use the latest technologies so that the procedures are minimally invasive with minimal to no recovery time. Patients can expect minor discomfort with these procedures. The extent of downtime depends on the procedure. With liposuction, for instance, which takes about two to two-and-a-halfhours, you can return to work after one to three days. Many of the procedures require no recovery time and are performed in about a half hour. Other procedures, such as laser hair removal, typically require a series of treatments for optimal results.

WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENTS CAN HELP PEOPLE LOOK MORE YOUTHFUL AND NATURAL?

Our experienced esthetician performs medical-grade facials, peels, micro-needling and dermaplaning as well as acne treatments. The literature shows that micro-needling is very effective and when platelet-rich plasma therapy is added, promotes collagen production, which has been shown to reduce skin laxity, resulting in tighter skin.

As you get older, laser resurfacing can help you get rid of sun damage and wrinkles. The old CO2 laser has been replaced by the Opus Plasma device, which is used to treat sun damage, wrinkles and scars with minimal downtime as compared to the older technology. Patients can expect some redness in the treatment area for 24 to 48 hours, none of which should prevent the patient from resuming daily activities the next day.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE DO TO KEEP THEIR LOOK FRESH AFTER TREATMENT?

Maintenance is key! Schedule regular facials and keep your skin moisturized. Some of the newer facial products have hyaluronidase and vitamin C, which helps to keep your skin smooth and prevent you from losing moisture.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A MED SPA?

People should know that not every med spa is the same. They should understand the expertise of the doctor and how long they have been in business. I’m a board-certified general and vascular surgeon with years of experience in medical cosmetic procedures. In an effort to understand the patient experience and ensure a successful outcome, I personally test all the procedures offered in my office.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOTTO.

EDB Med Spa’s motto is “Growing old is obligatory but looking older is optional.” To look your best, I recommend that people do routine maintenance, which varies depending on your age. At EDB Med Spa, every single patient receives an individual treatment plan, including routine follow-up visits, because I want every patient to have a positive outcome and to be happy with their results.

Learn more about EDB Med Spa at EDBMedSpa.com.

Line Dancing

Senior Wellness Center, Bridgewater, 876 E. Main St., Bridgewater | 1:00 PM

Bring your friends and improve your cardiovascular and muscular strength, coordination and balance while line dancing.

THROUGH MAY 5TH

Ripcord

Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Rd., Hillsborough

Watch a battle of wits and roommates at the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility. Which one in this “odd couple” will win? SVPTheatre.org

MAY 2ND - 4TH

High School Musical

Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 600 Garretson Rd., Bridgewater

Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts Department presents their lively spring production “High School Musical.” brrsd.org

MAY 3RD & 4TH

Over 55 Talent Show

PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater

Open Door Arts Center features singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, ventriloquists and others with a talent to display. OpenDoorArtsCenter.org

MAY 3RD

Gypsy: A Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac

Raritan Valley Community College Performing Arts Center, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg | 8:00 PM

“Gypsy” faithfully recreates singer Stevie Nicks’ live show and the music of Fleetwood Mac with striking accuracy. RVCCArts.org

MAY 4TH

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

Bridgewater Commons, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater | 11:00 AM

The free carnival is presented by the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater Township and Bridgewater Commons and features rides, inflatables, carnival games and a DJ. https://bit.ly/3ItWhXh

MAY 9TH

Sapphires & Sequins Fashion Show

Hamilton Farms Golf Club, 1040 Pottersville Rd., Gladstone | 5:30 PM

Stylist Leslie Patrizio promises to dazzle fashion lovers with spring and summer runway looks from local boutiques. SapphiresAndSequins.org

events

CONTINUED

MAY 16TH & 18TH

Go Blue for CASA

TD Bank Ballpark, 860 E. Main St., Bridgewater

The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have teamed up with CASA for a child advocate event for the game against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays). milb.com/Somerset

MAY 17TH

Barcelona & Beyond

North Branch Library, 65 Halstead St., Clinton | 1:00 PM

Come see Bridgewater City Lifestyle photographer David Surks as he presents his collection of works. HCLibrary.us

MAY 26TH

Peony’s Envy Friday Night Picnics

Peony’s Envy, 34 Autumn Hill Rd., Bernardsville

Hooray! Spring has arrived! Bring a loved one, a picnic dinner, a blanket and enjoy the bloom! PeonysEnvy.com

MAY 26TH

Catmoondaddy

Flounder Brewing Co., 2 Clerico Ln., Bldg. 4, Hillsborough | 6:00 PM

Barn favorites Catmoondaddy return with their amazing renditions of great rock and folk classics. FlounderBrewing.com

MAY 27TH

Tour of Somerville

Downtown Somerville | 9:00 AM

Professional and elite cyclists compete in the oldest competitive bicycle race in the country. TourOfSomerville.org

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