WHERE EXPLORATION BEGINS
FOOD + BEVERAGE
HOW SUNKEN SILO BECAME A
CRAFT BEER COMMUNITY HUB
ENTERTAINMENT
INSIDE FLEMINGTON’S
CREATIVE MAKERSPACE FOR ALL AGES JULY 2026
Close to Home and Beyond
We are officially in the swing of summer, and I could not be happier about it. I live for this time of year: longer days, later nights, backyard dinners, getaways and all the red, white and blue fun that comes with the Fourth of July. The no-bedtime summer schedule for our girls will probably catch up to me soon, but for now, these lazy evenings feel like a welcome change from the nonstop running of the school year.
This month’s Explore theme is all about that feeling. Exploring does not always require a plane ticket or a packed suitcase. Sometimes, the best discoveries are close by, waiting in a local business, a favorite gathering place, a backyard meal or a summer routine. In this issue, we’re celebrating the many ways North Hunterdon residents can explore, unwind and enjoy the season close to home and beyond.
Our cover story on page 12 raises a glass to Sunken Silo Brew Works and owner Jeff Donlon, whose Lebanon brewery has become a destination for craft beer, local history and community connection. From its Round Valley-inspired name to its rotating taps, live music and neighborhood feel, Sunken Silo reminds us there is always something new to discover close to home.
On page 20, we’re heading farther from home with a look at Princess Cruises’ Star Princess and the modern evolution of cruising. Whether you are dreaming of the Mediterranean, Alaska or the Southern Caribbean, the story explores how today’s cruises are becoming more personalized, comfortable and destination-focused.
And because no July issue feels complete without something for the grill, we’re sharing a homemade barbecue sauce recipe on page 16 that is easy to customize and perfect for summer cooking. Whether you are planning a backyard barbecue, a casual family dinner or need a little something extra for whatever is coming off the grill, this one is worth saving.
Whether your July plans include fireworks, a road trip, a backyard barbecue, a visit to a local favorite or simply trying something new, we hope this issue gives you a little inspiration. Here’s to exploring more, slowing down when we can and enjoying the season right where we are.
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Brooke Boyer | brooke.boyer@citylifestyle.com
Rose Balisi | rose.balisi@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jessie Fernandez | jessie.fernandez@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
Riley Burns | riley.burns@citylifestyle.com
Sadie Brown, Georgia Kissel
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kellie Larsen, Carly Mac Manus, Patti Zielinski, Richard Chachowski, David Burke
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Flirt With Light Photography, David Surks, That Werks Photography, Sunken Silo Brew Works, Princess Cruises, Wesley Cheringal
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
Sunken
R o o f / H o u s e S o f t w a s h | P r e s s u r e W a s h i n g | G u t t e r C l e a n i n g | W i n d o w C l e a n i n g P a v e r R e s t o r a t i o n : C l e a n , S a n d , & S e a l G i v e y o u r s e l f t h e P E A C E o f M i n d t h i s Y e a r ! E N H A N C E Y O U R C U R B A P P E A L T O D A Y !
( 6 0 9 ) 2 5 5 - 7 1 4 3 | c e n t r a l j e r s e y e x t e r i o r c l e a n i n g . c o m | n i c k @ c e n t r a l j e r s e y e x t e r i o r c l e a n i n g . c o m
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1—2: Garden State City Lifestyle’s Networking Night at Fogo de Chão celebrated the local business community. 3: Women enjoyed creating new mahjong designs during walk-in hours at AR Workshop Clinton. 4: Dickens Jewelers joined Garden State City Lifestyle’s Fogo de Chão networking night as a featured vendor. 5: Blueprint Mental Health attended the Explore BR event at Osprey Nest with local businesses. 6: Jenny and Deonna represented Blueprint Mental Health at Cranford High School’s Mental Health Fair. 7: Moonstone Salon wished Katie all the best as she began her maternity leave.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
MICHAEL J. LAGO CREATIVE CO.
MICHAEL J. LAGO CREATIVE CO.
MICHAEL J. LAGO CREATIVE CO.
BLUEPRINT
AR WORKSHOP CLINTON
Luxury Becomes Your Daily Routine
business monthly
Hunterdon Health Earns 13th Straight Hospital Safety Grade
Hunterdon Health received its 13th consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, recognizing continued excellence in patient safety and quality of care. The designation reflects strong performance in preventing medical errors, injuries and infections while maintaining high clinical standards. Hospital officials credited staff commitment and ongoing quality improvement efforts for the achievement, which underscores Hunterdon Health’s focus on safe, reliable patient care.
Hunterdon Chamber Hosts 2026 Annual Meeting Dinner
The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 Annual Meeting Dinner, marking 110 years of service to the business community. The event brought together local business leaders, members and partners to reflect on the chamber’s history and highlight ongoing initiatives supporting economic development and regional collaboration. The evening also recognized organizational milestones and community impact across Hunterdon County.
Provident Bank Releases 2026 Economic Outlook Survey
Provident Bank released its 2026 Annual Economic Outlook Survey, offering insight into regional business sentiment, financial trends and expectations for the year ahead. The report highlighted conditions shaping growth, hiring and investment decisions across key sectors. Based on input from businesses throughout the bank’s service area, the findings reflect overall market confidence and provide perspective on economic planning and outlooks for 2026.
Photography by Hunterdon Health
Photography by Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Provident Bank
DEEP Roots, DEEPER Pours
Sunken Silo brews a new hometown tradition
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNKEN SILO BREW WORKS, WESLEY CHERINGAL
For our Explore issue, we’re raising a glass to the local spots that give us something new to discover close to home.
It began as a joke. When a family friend nearing retirement mentioned he wanted to start a brewery, Jeff Donlon quipped, “Well, if you start one, I’ll help you run it.”
But as he started looking into the prospect of opening a brewery, he started taking it more seriously.
Donlon, who grew up in Hampton and attended Voorhees High School, brewed his first batch of homebrew in 1997. His knowledge of beers grew when his career took him to Europe for four years. “It allowed me to appreciate what was out there,” he says. He resumed brewing in 2009 and his passion continued to grow.
Although he had a successful career—he earned an industrial engineering degree from Virginia Tech—Donlon did not find the work fulfilling. He started writing a business plan and enlisted the expertise of two friends: “Matt Harrison is a professional brewer, and Fred Mattrey is a chemist. He helped make sure we were making good beer,” Donlon says. Together, they became the founding partners of Sunken Silo Brew Works.
When scouting locations, Donlon discovered the vacant space next to Metropolitan Seafood on Route 22 West in Lebanon and approached owner Mark Drabich with his business plan. “He wanted something to complement his business and had rejected other ideas, but saw possibilities with the brewery,” Donlon says.
When it came to naming the business, Donlon says they “wanted a name that actually meant something.” They decided on “Sunken Silo” as an homage to Round Valley Reservoir, about four miles away. In 1960, to bolster the water supply, the New Jersey Water Authority purchased dozens of properties in Clinton—including farms that had been operating for generations—constructed two dams and flooded the valley. “The story is they left four or five farms down there.”
Jeff Donlon, owner of Sunken Silo Brew Works
Since its opening in 2019, Sunken Silo Brew Works has become a community hub, hosting live music and trivia nights. And this past New Year’s Day, it hosted the after-party for the first annual Lebanon Borough New Year’s 5K Run and Walk.
“With 16 taps, we keep the menu broad and tick a lot of boxes to please as many people as possible. For example, if you’re a Bud drinker, we have an answer for you,” he says. “That said, the ethos of the industry is to try new things, so we have IPAs, seasonal brews and a couple of experimental brews.” Sunken Silo also offers gluten-free brews. “These are in cans. We do not put them on tap to keep it completely separate.”
Beyond the beer itself, part of the brewery’s appeal is the atmosphere it creates. Families, longtime locals and visitors from surrounding towns regularly gather there not just for drinks, but for connection. The relaxed environment, rotating events and welcoming staff have helped make the brewery feel less like a business and more like a neighborhood gathering place where people can slow down and spend time together.
One of the things that Donlon loves about returning to the area is reconnecting with people and places he loved as a child. “My wife and I settled in this area because we liked how we grew up,” he says. “It’s funny: You come back, and it’s different, but the same. You see names that you recognize when you were young and now our kids are all growing up together. Suddenly, we are the adults in the room, running businesses, coaching our kids and running community events.”
We can raise a toast to that. For more info visit sunkensilo.com.
A Toast to Local History
The name “Sunken Silo” pays tribute to the history beneath nearby Round Valley Reservoir. In the 1960s, farms and homes in the valley were flooded to create the reservoir, and local legend says remnants of several farms still remain underwater today. That connection to local history reflects the brewery’s larger mission: creating a gathering place rooted in community, storytelling and shared experiences. Today, Sunken Silo Brew Works continues that tradition by bringing people together over craft beer, live music, trivia nights and community events in the heart of Hunterdon County.
FROM CAROLINA TANG TO KANSAS CITY SWEET, EXPLORE AMERICA’S SAUCY BARBECUE STAPLE.
A BARBECUE SAUCE SUMMER
RECIPE BY CHEF DAVID BURKE
We’re well into grilling season, which makes this the perfect time to talk about barbecue sauce. Chef David Burke shares his go-to barbecue sauce recipe.
Barbecue sauce is one of those kitchen staples that can be deeply regional, highly personal and endlessly adaptable. Some versions are thin and tangy, others are sweet and glossy, and a few are creamy, peppery or boldly spiced. What they all have in common is the ability to add flavor and personality to summer cooking.
BARBECUE SAUCE
Early American barbecue sauces were simple mixtures of vinegar, salt, pepper and sometimes mustard. These thinner, tangier sauces were especially common in the Carolinas, where they helped cut through the richness of pork. Over time, as tomatoes, molasses and sugar became more available, barbecue sauce evolved into many regional styles.
For many people, the most familiar version is Kansas City style: tomato-based, sweet, glossy and made to cling to ribs, chicken and anything else coming off the grill.
The best part is that barbecue sauce is easy to make your own. Start
About Chef David Burke
with this classic base, then adjust the flavor with ginger, soy sauce, mustard, orange juice, coffee, citrus zest, cumin, horseradish, capers, pickle juice or even tea.
Barbecue sauce can also do more than finish grilled meats. Stir it into mayonnaise for pasta or potato salad, mix it with ranch for a quick dip, or fold it into mac and cheese.
Ingredients
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
New Jersey-born chef and restaurateur David Burke is known for playful, precision-driven American cooking and elevated comfort classics. His restaurants span New Jersey and beyond, including Red Horse by David Burke at The Bernards Inn and The Station Tavern in nearby Bernardsville.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions
1. Simmer all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and cook 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
For more recipes, follow @chefdavidburke.
ARTICLE BY RICHARD CHACHOWSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRINCESS CRUISES
sailing into modern luxury travel
Embark on the Ultimate Adventure Aboard
Princess Cruises’ Star Princess
If there were ever a modern golden age for cruising, it may very well be now. Ocean travel has surged in popularity, with major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Viking and Carnival dominating television commercials and digital advertising. But beyond the industry’s largest names, Princess Cruises has quietly positioned itself as a compelling option for travelers seeking a more refined and balanced experience at sea.
Ranked as the seventh largest cruise line in the world, Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 17 ships, each designed to blend comfort, entertainment and destination-focused travel. Much of the recent attention surrounding the company has centered on its newest Sphere-class vessels: the Sun Princess and the Star Princess.
The Sun Princess debuted in 2024 as the largest ship in the company’s history, while the Star Princess completed its maiden voyage in October 2025. Together, the ships represent a new era for the brand, combining modern design with Princess Cruises’ signature approach to relaxed luxury.
Unlike some cruise lines that emphasize large-scale attractions and nonstop stimulation, Princess takes a more understated approach. The Star Princess focuses less on spectacle and more on creating a seamless travel experience built around comfort, dining and exploration.
The ship sails to destinations including the Mediterranean, Southern Caribbean and Alaska, giving guests access to a wide variety of cultural and scenic experiences. Onboard, thoughtful design upgrades such as improved navigation systems, efficient elevator layouts and spacious public areas help create a more relaxed atmosphere for travelers.
Dining remains one of the ship’s standout features. Guests can choose from included venues such as The Eatery buffet and the Americana Diner, or explore specialty restaurants designed to elevate the onboard culinary experience. Options include Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Makoto Ocean for sushi, The Catch by Rudi for seafood and Umai Teppanyaki for interactive Japanese dining.
The ship also introduces more creative concepts, including Love by Britto, which combines art and dining into an immersive experience, and The Butcher’s Block by Dario, a modern steakhouse focused on premium cuts and elevated presentation.
Beyond dining, the Star Princess offers a full schedule of entertainment and wellness experiences. Guests can attend theatrical productions and live performances inside the Princess Arena or participate in trivia nights, game shows and other family-friendly activities throughout the ship.
Today’s cruising is less about constant stimulation and more about meaningful, memorable travel.
The Lotus Spa serves as the vessel’s wellness retreat, offering saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools, facials, massages and relaxation spaces designed to help guests unwind during their voyage.
Princess Cruises also emphasizes destination immersion through curated shore excursions available directly through the cruise line’s mobile app. Guests can personalize their experience with guided tours, snorkeling adventures, catamaran cruises or cultural excursions at each port of call.
Ultimately, the Star Princess reflects the broader evolution of modern cruising: a shift toward personalization, comfort and thoughtfully curated travel experiences. Whether traveling for a romantic getaway, family vacation or milestone celebration, guests are offered an opportunity to experience both the journey and the destinations in a more meaningful and memorable way.
Chart your next journey and explore upcoming itineraries at princess.com
Printing Possibilities
Inside The 3D Lab, a Flemington mother and son are turning imagination into innovation.
At The 3D Lab, exploration happens layer by layer as ideas become objects, and creativity becomes confidence.
Along Stangl Road in downtown Flemington, the studio hums with creativity. 3D printers line the shelves as visitors watch projects take shape inside the community hub.
At its center is 13-year-old Victor Wallace, who moves easily between machines, helping customers and checking prints. Just over three years ago, neither he nor his mother, Jessica, had ever used a 3D printer.
It started with a Christmas gift when Victor, drawn to art, gaming, animation and video editing, asked for a 3D printer.
Within days, Victor and Jessica were hooked and began bringing the printer to family gatherings, eager to keep creating.
Jessica, who balanced a legal career with creative work, realized during daily routines that many tech- and art-loving kids were working alone in their rooms and needed community and independent learning.
She envisioned The 3D Lab as a shared space where kids and adults could learn 3D printing together in a welcoming environment for exploration and play.
Jessica previously built community through Chirp Workshop, a Flemington studio for crafts, events and parties, which she later sold but still considers part of her creative legacy.
After selling Chirp, she thought that chapter was over, but within weeks of the 3D printer idea she secured a Main Street space in Flemington.
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THAT WERKS PHOTOGRAPHY
The lab opened with 12 printing stations, custom furniture built by her father and a clean white design filled with colorful filament spools and finished prints.
Before opening, classes and birthday parties were already sold out, reflecting strong community excitement.
Victor recalls the grand opening as packed, with lines outside and crowds filling the studio.
Demand quickly grew, leading to a larger Stangl Road location with 18 stations, multicolor printers and expanded programming for all ages, including teens and adults.
Today, the studio offers walk-in sessions, classes from beginner to advanced, birthday parties, summer camps and Kidpreneur programs where students sell their creations and build entrepreneurship experience.
Jessica often explains that the filament is corn-based, telling visitors their toys essentially start as a piece of corn.
Victor helps customers, runs walkins, and applies skills in 3D modeling and video editing learned through platforms like Tinkercad.
He encouraged the launch of their YouTube channel, @Vics3DLab, which shares tutorials, troubleshooting tips and project showcases.
One tutorial on unclogging a Toybox printer unexpectedly became widely referenced online through AI search summaries.
Victor also highlights local businesses through a video series called Flemington Fridays each week.
He connects with downtown neighbors including Boxed Vinyl, The Happy Peacock, Within Spirit and Humdoo Ice Cream.
At school, classmates are impressed, with some joking he must be a millionaire, which he dismisses.
The studio is a family effort: Jessica’s father builds furniture, her husband helps with setup, and her mother manages visitors.
Her mother, now in her late 60s, learned the printers and is affectionately known as Grandma 3D.
Jessica’s daughters also contribute, with one designing the logo and another assisting at jewelry events.
Jessica believes the studio helps kids who don’t fit traditional activities find a place where creativity and technology are celebrated and confidence is built.
The 3D Lab has also partnered with the Philadelphia Eagles to bring interactive printing stations to the team’s holiday events across communities.
Jessica says kids often call it their favorite part of the event.
Looking ahead, Jessica plans to expand the model nationally through franchising, ideally run by families with long-term growth goals.
For now, the Flemington studio continues buzzing with activity as printers run and ideas come to life.
Jessica reflects on the magic of turning ideas into real objects every day.
For more information visit flemington3dlab.com
Jessica and Victor Wallace
ARTICLE BY KELLIE LARSEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLIRT WITH LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
WHERE THE Magic HAPPENS
Energy, Style, and Modern Memories
For our Explore issue, we’re looking at how one Central New Jersey business turns a photo booth into a way to explore connection, creativity and celebration.
Walk into a corporate gala, community fundraiser or holiday celebration where Flirt With Light Photography is present and one thing becomes immediately clear: People gather. They laugh. Strangers become fast friends. That is where the magic happens.
Flirt With Light Photography, founded by best friends Kellie Larsen and Leslie LaCosta, transforms events with highly customized photo booth experiences that blend entertainment and memory-making. Based in Central New Jersey, Larsen and LaCosta serve the tri-state area and beyond, traveling nationwide and internationally for weddings, corporate events and celebrations.
“We’re incredibly proud of our local roots,” Larsen says. “But we love when a client calls and asks if we’ll travel. The answer is almost always yes.”
What sets their work apart is not just the technology or the destinations, but the philosophy behind it. “Our job isn’t just to take photos,” Larsen says. “Our job is to leave every person we encounter better than we found them.”
That mindset shapes every interaction, from the first planning meeting to the final photo delivered after an event.
FRIENDSHIP, CREATIVITY AND A SHARED VISION
Flirt With Light Photography was born from a 20-year friendship. Before launching the business, Larsen and LaCosta held executive leadership roles. They shared a passion for creativity, connection and designing experiences that bring people together.
“We wanted to build something joyful,” LaCosta says. “Something that helps people celebrate life’s moments while also connecting with each other.”
What began as a creative idea quickly evolved into a thriving business built on collaboration and trust.
A MODERN TAKE ON THE PHOTO BOOTH
Flirt With Light creates immersive experiences that become part of the event itself. Guests step into a curated space featuring professional lighting and custom backdrops. Within seconds, they capture high-quality photos, slow-motion videos, GIFs, boomerangs and 360-degree video experiences. Images are delivered instantly to guests’ phones, making it easy to share in real time.
Each experience is tailored to the event. A corporate gala may feature branded overlays and a sleek backdrop. A nonprofit fundraiser might include a red-carpet setup with custom lighting.
“No two events are the same,” Larsen says. “We build every experience around the people who will be there.”
The company also stays current with emerging trends in event entertainment, regularly updating offerings and technology to create fresh experiences for returning clients. From luxury weddings to large-scale conferences, the team focuses on making every activation feel polished, interactive and personal. Attention to detail plays a major role in the company’s success, whether that means matching a corporate brand aesthetic or helping guests feel comfortable in front of the camera.
CREATING CONNECTION AT CORPORATE EVENTS
While the company works with weddings and private celebrations, a significant portion of its business now focuses on corporate events and brand activations. From conferences to employee celebrations and holiday parties, the goal is to create energetic interactions.
“At corporate events, people often arrive a little reserved,” LaCosta says. “But once someone steps in front of the camera, it changes the energy of the room.”
Guests loosen up and laugh together while executives pose alongside interns.
“People remember how an event made them feel,” Larsen says. “When coworkers are laughing together and creating memories, it helps build stronger connections.”
THE HEADSHOT LAB
A growing offering is the company’s Headshot Lab, which has become popular at conferences, trade shows and leadership events. Guests step into a studio-quality setup with professional lighting, guided posing and instant delivery, leaving with ready-to-use headshots.
“For many people, a great headshot has been on their to-do list for years,” Larsen says. “We love giving them that confidence boost.”
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Larsen and LaCosta remain deeply connected to the communities they serve. Flirt With Light partners with nonprofits, fundraisers and local organizations, bringing the same care and creativity to community events as corporate activations.
“Whether it’s a charity gala, a festival or a corporate celebration, our goal is the same,” LaCosta says. “We want people to walk away smiling.”
DESIGNING MOMENTS THAT MATTER
The company runs a close-knit team that scales for larger events, with multiple attendants and photographers ensuring a seamless guest experience.
“When someone invites us into their event, we take that responsibility seriously,” Larsen says.
“At the end of the day, the photo is just the reminder,” Larsen says. “The real gift is the moment people shared.”
When the team has done its job well, guests leave with more than images. They leave with memories, connections and experiences that stay with them long after the event ends.
To learn more or view the full gallery of services, visit flirtwithlight.com
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 1ST
Somerset Patriots vs. Hartford Yard Goats
TD Bank Ballpark, 860 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807 | 6:35 PM
Catch the Somerset Patriots as they take on the Hartford Yard Goats during a summer evening of minor league baseball in Bridgewater. The family-friendly game experience features ballpark food, entertainment and one of Central Jersey’s most popular summer traditions. Tickets and information are available at milb.com/somerset/tickets/promotions.
JULY 6TH
Rug Artisans Guild Exhibit Reception
Hunterdon County Library, 314 State Route 12, Flemington, NJ 08822 | 7:00 PM
Celebrate traditional craftsmanship at this community exhibition and reception. Hosted by Hunterdon 300th, the evening features a show-and-tell of hooked rugs depicting imagery from the American Revolution. The event also includes a historical presentation on Hunterdon County’s Revolutionary War history. Admission is free, but reservations are required at eventbrite.com.
JULY 21ST
Flemington Acoustic Players
Flemington DIY, 26 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822 | 6:30 PM
Calling all Hunterdon County pop, rock and folk musicians. This open acoustic jam provides a welcoming environment to practice guitar, sing and collaborate with local musicians. All skill levels are encouraged to join. Find details at flemingtondiy.org
JULY 22ND
Poetry Open Mic
Flemington DIY, 26 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822 | 7:30 PM
Experience Flemington’s thriving literary arts scene at this inclusive open mic night. Emerging and established poets are invited to read their original works or simply listen in a supportive community space. It is a relaxing, creative evening in downtown Flemington. Learn more at flemingtondiy.org
JULY 27TH
Print Club
Flemington DIY, 26 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822 | 6:00 PM
Tap into your creative side during this weekly open printmaking studio. For a $15-$30 drop-in fee, artists and community members can use shared screen-printing equipment and learn artistic processes in a collaborative workspace. Visit flemingtondiy.org for details.
JULY 28TH
Classical Music Jam
Flemington DIY, 26 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822 | 7:00 PM
Celebrate classical music in a casual, collaborative setting. Musicians playing strings, brass or woodwinds are invited to bring sheet music to share and sight-read with the group. This twist on a traditional jam session is ideal for classical music enthusiasts. View event details at flemingtondiy.org
