WOMEN Who Lead
BEAUTY
A BEAUTIFUL CONFIDENCE
EDUCATION
EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWERING WOMEN
Your Destination for Face & Body Rejuvenation
Injx By Nat Aesthetics founder, Natia Rufolo, is a Board- Certified Nurse Practitioner Specializing in Aesthetics. We provide various skincare treatments including PDO Threads, Neurotoxin, Liquid Face Lift, ATTIVA & more. Our trained team is dedicated to providing you with results that will boost your confidence, enhance your natural features, helping you to become the best version of yourself! We want you to smile when you look in the mirror.
Personalized Solutions For Skin, Face & Body: Our premier offices are your destination for face and body rejuvenation. We offer non-surgical procedures in a safe and clean environment for those who demand the best. Whether you want to restore your youthful appearance, say goodbye to or enhance your natural features, we’ve got the perfect solution.
Visit our Website for more of our 5-STAR GOOGLE Customer Reviews
“All I can say is absolutely amazing! If I could give her and her staff over 100 stars I would in a heartbeat. Nat is literally worth it.” - Fran M.
We Specialize In:
PDO THREADS, INJECTABLES, SKIN TREATMENTS, BODY TREATMENTS, FACIAL BALANCING
PDO Thread Lift in Under 30 Minutes. “Lunch Hour” Lift, Same Day Results that Last up to 2 years. Performed by the Top 1% of PDO Thread Providers in the U.S., Target Areas: Mid-Face, Jowls, Neck, Nose, Brows and Body. BEFORE
INJX BY NAT AESTHETICS
Call to Schedule A Consultation: Cranford: (908) 460-6007, Morristown: (973) 449-1415
www.injxbynat.com v INJXBYNAT
Dr. Mark I. Khaimov, D.D.S.
At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
Our Womens’ Issue
I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our grandmothers, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.
And of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms…But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to amazing women in our local communities.
They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.
And remember, we love hearing from you! If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within our local community and the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Contact John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities and Ana.Meyer@ citylifestyle.com for editorials or call us at 973-944-1440.
We look forward to seeing you around town!
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers in our lives!
ANA MEYER AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @MORRISCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHERS
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Ana Meyer
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS
Stephany Aznar, Ben Meyer
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kelsey Harper
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Ben Meyer, Kelsey Harper
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chris Jorda photography, Heather Swartz
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Empowered Women, Empowering Women
B.I.G.
1: Wentworth Gallery with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers (middle) art show and collectors. 2: Wentworth Gallery with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers art show and collectors. 3: Wentworth Gallery Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) art show with Wentworth Gallery owners.
Welcome Injx By Nat
The founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics, Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C aka Nat, is a Board-Certified aesthetic injector and PDO thread specialist. Voted top 100 Best Aesthetics Provider in America for 2025 as well as a Key Opinion Leader and Trainer for Miracu PDO Threads. Nat was chosen by Miracu to train healthcare providers in becoming future thread specialists due to her experience and success with PDO threads!
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Mother’s Day Catering or Dinner at Morristown’s Portofino’s
Relax on Mother's Day and cater your Mother's Day event or take her out to an authentic Italian family dinner. We are accepting reservations now and ask about our catering menu. Stop by and meet Cinnabon! https://portofinosrestaurant.com/
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Award winning spa offering massages, advanced facials, anti-aging treatments, organic airbrush spray tan, full body waxing and Xtreme eyelash extensions. We cater to men, women and teens, offer the latest in products and therapies in a warm, inviting, and serene setting.
A Beautiful CONFIDENCE
Nat Rufolo, FNP, NP-C, founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics.
Get ready to embrace your best self
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY
As a board-certified nurse practitioner and the owner of INJX By Nat Aesthetics, Natia Rufolo has a unwavering commitment to excellence. “Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, where beauty was woven into the very fabric of my culture, I moved to America at the age of 5,” she says. “This early exposure sparked my passion for aesthetics, nurturing my artistic eye and deep appreciation for symmetry, balance, and the nuances of beauty.”
PHOTOGRAPHY
INJX by Nat Aesthetics opened its doors in 2021 in Cranford, with a second location in Morristown following in 2023. Natia’s European technique is an art form, and clients frequently express amazement at how her results appear almost surgical in nature.
“For me, aesthetic medicine is more than a profession—it’s a passion that allows me to help people feel their most confident and beautiful selves.”
Here, we sit down with Natia to learn more.
WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL MISSION?
My goal is to empower women by enhancing their natural beauty, instilling a deep sense of confidence that fosters humility and compassion. I strive to help women feel beautiful, both inside and out, creating a positive ripple effect in their lives and the lives of those around them.
DESCRIBE THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE MEDICAL SPA.
Walking through the door, you immediately feel a sense of warmth and welcome, as if you were stepping into a space designed just for you. The atmosphere is infused with beauty and care, making you feel excited and at ease.
It’s a sanctuary where enhancing your natural beauty becomes a transformative experience, making you feel empowered and ready to embrace your best self.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PROCEDURES/ SERVICES REQUESTED?
One of the standout treatments is the PDO thread lift, offering an instant, non-surgical facelift that rejuvenates your skin. Our approach to dermal fillers is all about creating subtle enhancements that mimic the structure of bone.
You’ll find a selection of popular med spa services, including Botox®, and techniques like the Nefertiti neck lift using Botox to help redefine your neckline.
You can also benefit from advanced technologies like ATTIVA® IRF, which is exclusive to our practice in New Jersey. This innovative treatment employs subdermal coagulation to tighten skin by up to 60% in just one session.
Additionally, exosomes and PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) are gaining attention for their ability to promote cell regeneration and enhance collagen production, helping you address various skin concerns.
With our advanced DEP (DermoElectroPoration®) technology, active ingredients can be infused deeply into your skin without the need for needles or downtime.
You can also explore body treatments specifically designed to target localized fat deposits.
WHY SHOULD PATIENTS FEEL CONFIDENT IN RECEIVING TREATMENTS AT INJX BY NAT?
As a recognized and awarded top 100 aesthetic provider in America for 2025, I am honored to be known as the “PDO Thread Queen,” ranking in the top 1% of PDO thread providers nationwide.
Joining me in this pursuit of excellence is my talented team member, Cassandra Austin, whom I personally trained. In her first year of injecting, she has already risen to the top ranks of aesthetic injectors in the United States, showcasing the effectiveness of my training techniques.
She has also been recognized and awarded as one of the top 100 aesthetic providers in America.
Our practice is built on trust, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to artistry and patient satisfaction.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER THINGS THAT MAKE INJX BY NAT STAND OUT FROM OTHER MED SPAS?
INJX by Nat isn’t just a practice—it’s a destination for those who seek the best in aesthetic artistry. Our reputation for excellence and exclusivity has patients traveling from across the globe, from Canada to Switzerland, with daily visitors coming from out of state just to experience our approach.
The face is a holistic canvas, and I take care to ensure that all elements work together harmoniously. My goal is to provide results that don’t merely serve as a quick fix for a specific issue, but rather offer long-term solutions.
Discover more at INJXByNat.com.
Nat Rufolo, FNP, NP-C, founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics.
Real Estate, Redefined The Signature Way with Giselle
Looking for a realtor who blends expertise with personalized care?
Giselle Acevedo delivers a seamless, stress-free real estate journey with transparent communication and strategic market insights. As a trusted listing expert and accomplished negotiator, she consistently exceeds client expectations, turning transactions into lucrative opportunities.
Backed by "The Signature Way," Giselle is committed to providing elevated service every step of the way. Whether buying or selling, trust Giselle to guide you confidently through your real estate goals with excellence and dedication.
•
• #1 in total sales volume for five consecutive years in a row**
• Awarded NJ BIZ “TOP 50” growing companies in NJ – 2018
*As per Garden State MLS (12/1/2017 – 12/31/2023)
**As per data collected from Real Trends Inc.
You take care of everything— your career, your family, your home. But who’s taking care of YOU?
The Organized Leydi helps busy women in Northern New Jersey create beautifully organized, functional spaces that support their lifestyle. From clutter-free closets to stress-free kitchens, we bring order and ease to your home—so you can focus on what truly matters.
Because you deserve a home that works as hard as you do.
Scan the QR code to contact us for a
ARTICLE BY KELSEY
BY CHRIS JORDA
Gilvar, CEO B.I.G.
EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWERING WOMEN
In 2009, Tara Gilvar’s life changed when a bumper sticker caught her eye with a message that resonated deeply: “Remember Who You Wanted to Be.” Inspired by this simple yet powerful phrase, Tara sent out an email to her community, igniting a movement that would empower countless women to chase their dreams and redefine their destinies.
Today, Tara is the CEO and founder of B.I.G. (https://believeinspiregrow.com/)—a community of women entrepreneurs who support one another through the highs and lows of business and personal growth. As B.I.G. marks its 16th anniversary, Tara reflects on how far they’ve come. “My hope is for B.I.G. to continue evolving, fostering a culture of women supporting women for generations to come,” she shares.
With educational webinars, events, and an unwavering sense of community, B.I.G. offers tangible tools and intangible support like renewed self-esteem and lasting happiness. Three remarkable women—Sandra Fava, Cathy Maloney, and Marisa Smith—are shining examples of how B.I.G. members embody these values and thrive in their own unique ways.
Tara
CATHY MALONEY: EMPOWERING THROUGH HOMEOWNERSHIP
Cathy Maloney, VP of Mortgage Lending at Atlantic Financial Services, finds her greatest motivation in making homeownership a reality for her clients.
“Seeing the excitement on a new home buyer’s face when I tell them their loan is approved—priceless!” Cathy says, reflecting on the meaningful impact of her work.
Throughout her career, Cathy has overcome challenges by leaning on her network of real estate partners and her B.I.G. sisters.
“The support, empowerment, and friendship from the B.I.G. community are invaluable. I never hesitate to call on one of my B.I.G. sisters for inspiration or problem-solving,” she shares.
Cathy also embraces the challenge of working with clients who may not fit the ideal mortgage profile.
“I’ve successfully guided people with credit issues, low down payments, and spotty employment through the mortgage approval process,” she explains.
For aspiring entrepreneurs: “Know your business and educate your clients—a confused mind says no. Develop a strong support network and stay resilient.” Reach Cathy at cmaloney@atlanticloans.com
MARISA SMITH: TURNING PASSION INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS
Marisa Smith, founder of MACMOM Organizing, transformed her passion for organization and design into a thriving business.
“One day, while discussing my desire to reenter the workforce with college friends, they encouraged me to start my own business. A few months later, I landed my first client— and that’s when MACMOM Organizing was born,” Marisa recalls. CONTINUED >
Marisa Smith, Cathy Maloney & Sandra Fava, ESQ
“MY HOPE
“I often joked that I had no business running a business. But through B.I.G., I learned how to structure my company and build meaningful connections with like-minded women,” she shares.
When the time came to hire employees, Marisa leaned on the wisdom of fellow entrepreneurs and her bookkeeper. Now, MACMOM Organizing is a full-service operation.
IS FOR B.I.G. TO CONTINUE EVOLVING, FOSTERING A CULTURE OF WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.” - TARA GILVAR
“Don’t be afraid to start, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It truly takes a village to run a successful business,” Marisa advises. www.macmomorganizing.com
SANDRA FAVA: ADVOCATING FOR FAMILIES IN TRANSITION
Sandra Fava, ESQ, is a passionate advocate for families navigating complex transitions, including divorce, custody disputes, asset division, and domestic violence. Her dedication to family law stems from personal experiences and her journey through law school, shaping her desire to support clients through some of life’s most challenging moments.
“Being a part of this process and helping through the transition is real and personal work—and deeply gratifying,” Sandra shares.
After nearly a decade of inspiration from the B.I.G. community, Sandra took a bold step and founded her own law firm in September 2024. She gained invaluable insights on financial challenges and business ownership—lessons not taught in law school.
Her advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Be prepared and know your worth.” www.favalawnj.com
Sandra Fava, ESQ, Marisa Smith & Cathy Maloney
TOUR A Historic Mansion
A UNIQUE AND FUN OUTING THAT ALSO PROMOTES HIGH-LEVEL MEDICAL INITIATIVES
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER SWARTZ
How often do you get to tour a beautiful home while supporting a worthwhile cause? Mansion in May, the signature fundraiser for the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, offers this wonderful opportunity every two years. This year, it will take place at the historic Wildfair estate in Chester Township from May 1 to May 31.
On 55 acres, it has many unique architectural details. “Some of the roof lines are slanted so the doors are angled, the walls are incredibly thick and the whole house is covered in fieldstone,” says Mary Courtemanche, event co-chair along with Barbara Ruane. “There are some really great quarter-moon windows and other funky details.” There’s also an incredible two-story mahogany library with a circular staircase.
The house was originally built in the 1880s and then added onto in the 1930s and 1990s. There are a total of 38 interior spaces and 17 landscape spaces. On the property itself, there’s a pond, a barn, a tennis court, a chicken coop, and a sugar house.
“The setting is exquisite, and there’ll be a sculpture in the woods that people will be able to see from the back of the house,” says Barbara. “The barn is going to be transformed into a bistro, and with adding a tent, we’ll be able to seat around 200 people.”
In the bottom level of the barn, there will be lovely boutiques. “You could really make it a destination for the day,” she says. “You can tour the house and gardens, have lunch with your friends, and then shop in the boutiques.” Twenty percent of the proceeds from these sales go to the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center to facilitate its mission.
This mission is very important. Every Mansion in May event supports Morristown Medical Center (MMC), and this year the monies raised will benefit its new Proton Therapy Center. With help from these proceeds, the hospital hopes to start offering this cutting-edge cancer treatment next year.
Since its inception in 1974, Mansion in May has raised over $14 million. “Our goal this year is to raise $2 million, which is a stretch, but that’s what we’re hoping to do,” says Barbara. An average of 22,000 people attend each event.
Finding these homes and homeowners who are willing to open their doors to the public is not an easy task. “We have a mansion search committee and they have a lot of good contacts with Realtors® and designers in the area,” she says. “We often get houses by word of mouth and the owners of our last house, Three Fields, are friends with the current owners, who also attended the last event.”
In regard to tickets, there are a number of different options. A general admission ticket gets you onto the property and into the house. There are tickets for private tours, and tickets for an evening preview party and an afternoon tea which includes a presentation on sustainable gardening. There is also Motown at the Mansion. “It’s on a Saturday night and it’s a sit-down dinner,” says Barbara. “We’re going to dance the night away to an orchestra playing Motown music.”
The women, who are also long-time board members, lead a team of over 60 volunteers who are on about 25 different committees.
“Everyone has a different focus, so there’s a committee for ticketing, for marketing, for the design,” says Mary. “There’s another committee that puts together the journal that all visitors receive. It’s an incredible resource because it lists all the designers involved, so if you want to update an interior space or enhance your garden, you will have access to their contact information.”
Mary and Barbara, who were also the co-chairs of the previous event, find a lot of satisfaction in their roles. “It’s a fun way to give back,” says Barbara. “We spend a lot of time and energy, but it’s really worth it in the end when you see how our funds are used. We were invited to the grand opening of the Gagnon Institute of Bioskills Training and Innovation [at MMC] after we had given them $1.65 million from the last Mansion in May event.”
Adds Mary, “When we give money, it’s usually for a project that the hospital is actively working on and so we get to see the results pretty fast. It’s incredibly gratifying.” And, they are always looking for more volunteers.
“We’ve made great friends with the women and men who volunteer,” says Barbara. “They’re dedicated, they’re hardworking.”
To buy your tickets to this amazing philanthropic event, and to find out about volunteering for the next one, go to MansionInMay.org.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO
Elevated Cocktails for Brunch Beyond &
3 Fun Spirits To Spoil Mom With This Mother’s Day
Whether Mom prefers to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, she’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make her brunch menu extra special. So while she’s indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped creamtopped pancakes, impress her with one of these three morning-friendly mixes.
Gin Jam &
A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam
• Spoonful of jam for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.
2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.
3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.
4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• Lime wedge, for rimming glasses
• Coarse salt, for rimming glasses
• 1 bottle champagne or Prosecco
• Orange and lime slices for serving
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine orange juice, tequila and lime juice and stir to combine.
2. Line glass rims with lime and dip in salt. Pour in orange juice mixture and top off with champagne.
3. Add sliced oranges and limes to glasses and serve.
Margarita Mimosas
Sweet and tart combined with classic champagne bubbles make for the perfect brunch accompaniment.
Instructions:
1. Infuse vodka: Tear five basil leaves into small pieces and place into a small glass jar with vodka. Seal tightly and shake, refrigerate, then infuse for at least six hours, shaking the jar occasionally.
2. Make basil sugar: In a small food processor, combine sugar and remaining basil. Pulse until basil is chopped into small, uniform pieces and sugar is pale green.
3. Strain vodka into a glass measuring cup, squeezing basil leaves to release any remaining liquid.
4. Rim glasses: Pour basil sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Fill another shallow plate with water until a quarter-inch deep. Dip the rim of each glass first in water, then in basil sugar.
5. Assemble cocktail: Divide basil vodka between glasses, then add half-cup lemonade to each. Fill glasses with ice cubes and top with seltzer. Garnish with lemon slices.
Ingredients:
• 9 large basil leaves, divided
• 4 ounces vodka
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup lemonade
• Ice
• Seltzer
• Lemon slices, for garnish
Spiked Lemonade
This refreshing twist on a springtime favorite is enhanced with the sweetness of basil and turns the spirit a vibrant green.
LITTLE PORTUGAL, Big Flavor
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED & CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY
CHEF LAUREN COVAS BRINGS BOLD PORTUGUESE COOKING TO YOUR KITCHEN
ARTICLE BY BENJAMIN MEYER
When it comes to blending tradition with innovation, Chef Lauren Covas knows how to deliver. As the owner of Chef Lauren Covas Catering and a twotime Food Network Champion, she has captivated audiences and palates alike with her bold, flavorful dishes. Now, she’s bringing her culinary magic to kitchens everywhere with her debut cookbook, Little Portugal: Bold and Flavorful Portuguese Cooking from My New Jersey Kitchen.
Growing up in the vibrant community of Little Portugal, New Jersey, Chef Covas developed a deep love for the hearty, satisfying dishes that define Portuguese cuisine. With recipes like Rustic Clams, Classic Seafood Rice, and Caramelized Fig and Prosciutto Bites, her new cookbook is both a heartfelt homage to her roots and a practical guide to recreating these iconic flavors at home.
We sat down with Chef Covas to learn more about her inspiration, and what readers can expect from this exciting new release.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS TRIBUTE TO PORTUGUESE COOKING?
“Growing up in Little Portugal shaped not only my cooking style but also my entire outlook on food and family. The community was always alive with aromas of seafood, roasted meats, and freshly baked bread. I wanted to capture that sense of warmth and tradition while also incorporating my professional experience as a chef. My goal was to create recipes that honor my heritage but are also approachable for home cooks.”
Chef Lauren Covas, Covas Catering, two-time Food Network Champion and Little Portugal Cook Book Author
AS A TWO-TIME FOOD NETWORK CHAMPION, YOUR CULINARY TALENTS ARE UNDENIABLE. HOW DID THOSE EXPERIENCES SHAPE YOUR APPROACH TO CREATING RECIPES FOR YOUR NEW COOKBOOK?
“ Competing on Food Network was both exhilarating and humbling. It pushed me to think creatively under pressure and trust my instincts. That experience gave me the confidence to put my own twist on classic dishes. I wanted the cookbook to reflect that same spirit of innovation while staying true to the traditional flavors I grew up with.”
YOUR COOKBOOK BEAUTIFULLY BLENDS GOURMET FLAIR WITH PORTUGUESE TRADITION. HOW DID YOU STRIKE THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN HONORING YOUR HERITAGE AND SHOWCASING YOUR CREATIVE, AWARD-WINNING CULINARY TECHNIQUES?
IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND JUST ONE DISH FROM YOUR COOKBOOK TO SOMEONE WHO’S NEVER TRIED PORTUGUESE CUISINE, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
“Definitely the Rustic Clams. It’s the perfect combination of savory broth, garlic, and tender clams—a real crowd-pleaser that highlights the essence of Portuguese coastal cooking. But I’d also recommend trying any dish from our Shareables section. They’re easy, light, and fun to make—anyone can cook these recipes with no training, and they’re a great way to experience the flavors of Portugal in a relaxed, shareable way.”
“Competing on Food Network was both exhilarating and humbling. It pushed me to think creatively under pressure and trust my instincts.”
“ I think it all comes down to understanding the core flavors and then building on them thoughtfully. For example, I love using bold marinades and fresh herbs, but I also like to introduce techniques that elevate the dish without losing its authenticity. It’s about keeping the soul of the recipe intact while adding a little something extra.”
AS A SUCCESSFUL CHEF, CATERER, AND NOW COOKBOOK AUTHOR, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND CHEF LAUREN COVAS CATERING?
“There are lots of big things coming up! Our book tour is kicking off soon, which will lead to so many exciting new collaborations. Make sure you stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!”
Chef Lauren Covas’s passion for her craft and heritage shines through every page of Little Portugal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something special, her recipes promise to bring the heart and soul of Portuguese cuisine right to your table. Don’t miss your chance to experience it for yourself—pick up a copy today and taste the magic! https://www.chefcovascatering.com/
DIY DAY
INSPIRATION FOR A MOTHER/ DAUGHTER DIY DAY
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
WITH MOM
An afternoon spent together is priceless with today’s busy schedules. Instead of going out, staying in can provide quaint, quiet one-on-one time for a mother and daughter (or multiple daughters). Finding time on calendars is the hard part, and filling that time is all fun from there. Here are a few favorite ideas for inspiration that may spark excitement for planning those special times together.
01 Charm Necklaces
Custom DIY charm necklaces and bracelets are trending. Gather a theme idea: birthstones, family initials, travels or even favorite hobbies, and procure charms from your local craft store or online shop. Selecting charms for each other also could be a fun way to bring delight to the crafting occasion. Necklaces and bracelets can be made for each other, or as future gifts for upcoming occasions such as a family wedding, a birthday milestone or an anniversary.
02 Interview Journaling
Storytelling makes for the best memories. Structure memory recall by filming or journaling interview-style question-and-answer sessions, cataloging information for future generations. Videos and notes with detailed family adventures are priceless, and we all always wish we had more of them.
03 Meal Prep
Text conversations around kitchen tips or ingredient procurement seem endless. Spend some time together in the kitchen preparing favorite family recipes, sharing Mom’s best tips and tricks. Choosing freezer-friendly meals is a great way to walk away with meals for upcoming busy days. There’s nothing like Mom’s recipes!
EXCEPTIONAL DENTISTRY BY SPECIALIZED DENTISTS
Dr. Azizian, DDS & Dr. Sallustio, DDS
Dr. Sallustio and Dr. Azizian practice a full scope of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry. With a focus on implants, crowns, bridges, Kor whitening, Botox and porcelain veneers, Dr. Sallustio and Azizian help patients regain confidence in their smile. The doctors also provide life changing treatments includng same day All-on-4 implants and bridges, prosthetics for oral cancer, trauma and congenital defects including cleft lip and palate. Consider a consultation with Drs. Sallustio and Azizian to analyze your smile.
