LIFE + CULTURE
GEORGIA, CITY LIFESTYLE’S
TOP DOGGY MODEL, BRINGS
HER SIGNATURE SASSY CHARM
FOOD + BEVERAGE
CHEF DAVID BURKE SHARES THE FAMILY STORY BEHIND HIS CAKE POPS
A Month Made for Kids + Pets
Oh, Ramapo Valley, welcome to August—the Sunday of summer. I heard years ago that summer is like a weekend: June is Friday night, July is Saturday and August is Sunday. It has stayed with me ever since. The Halloween decorations that somehow appeared at Costco back in June may be trying to rush us along, but I am happily resisting. There are still dips in the pool, days down the shore, backyard barbecues, ice cream runs and sunny afternoons to enjoy.
This month’s Kids + Pets Issue feels right for this point in the season, when summer is full of motion and everyone in the house is ready for one more adventure. As a mom, I know these years have a funny way of feeling both long and impossibly fast, especially when measured in school years, sports schedules and growing kids.
Of course, a Kids + Pets Issue needs a cover star with personality to spare, and Georgia O’Keeffe delivered. On page 10, meet Ramapo Valley’s Next Top Doggy Model, a soulful, sassy and snuggly pup whose bond with owner Francesca Jacobus is as sweet as her many nicknames. From her “Good Morning Girl” routine to her love of swimming in the bay, Georgia is exactly the kind of joyful character this issue was made for.
This issue also celebrates young people making a difference beyond their own homes. Turn to page 22 for “Service to the Community,” where Immaculate Heart Academy students show how compassion, leadership and service can create a meaningful ripple effect, from campus ministry drives to thousands of service hours.
Then, for a story with plenty of energy, head to page 14 for “Movement With a Message,” featuring Dave Joisil, the creator behind “Hey, It’s Mr. J,” who is helping kids build confidence, character and healthy habits through music, movement and quality screen time.
And because kids and sugar always seem to find each other, turn to page 28 for “The Kids Made Me Do It,” where Chef David Burke shares how a rainy day at home with his boys sparked one of his most playful desserts: cake pops.
Here’s to the Sunday of summer, the people and pets we love, and these last long, sunny days.
TIFFANY & JAKE SLOWINSKI , PUBLISHERS
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Brooke Boyer | brooke.boyer@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Rose Balisi | rose.balisi@citylifestyle.com
Jessie Fernandez | jessie.fernandez@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Riley Burns | riley.burns@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
David Burke, Tater Bear Treats, AnneMarie Vaughn, Cara Zamorski, Carly Mac Manus
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Burke Hospitality Management, Erika Galvez, Nigel John-Baptiste, Tater Bear Treats, Barry Farber, Immaculate Heart Academy, My Havana Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
Meet Georgia O’Keeffe, Ramapo Valley’s Next Top Doggy Model. The sassy, snuggly 5-year-old golden retriever mix loves morning songs, bay swimming and bringing pure joy wherever she goes.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Immaculate Heart Academy recognized nine students with Soaring Eagle Awards for Q4 academic excellence and leadership. 2: Christian Health hosted its third annual Mental Health Awareness Walk, promoting wellness and reducing stigma. 4: barre3 Franklin Lakes raised more than $7,000 for Thomas Minardi and kidney disease awareness. 7: Immaculate Heart Academy faculty and staff celebrated year-end with a special reception honoring retirees and milestone service anniversaries.
IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY
CHRISTIAN HEALTH
CHRISTIAN HEALTH
BARRE3 FRANKLIN LAKES
BARRE3 FRANKLIN LAKES
BARRE3 FRANKLIN LAKES
IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY
business monthly
Taste of Cuba Proposed for Wyckoff Avenue Location
A new restaurant concept, Taste of Cuba, has been proposed for 674 Wyckoff Avenue in Wyckoff. Ownership is currently working through approvals and plans to remodel the existing space to accommodate dine-in service. While menu details have not yet been released, the concept suggests a focus on traditional Cuban cuisine. Additional information on the opening timeline, design, and culinary team has not yet been announced as the project continues through development stages.
Do Good Café launching in Franklin Lakes
REED Autism Services officially took over operations of the Franklin Lakes Community Center in April 2026. As part of this sweeping public-private partnership, they are launching the "Do Good Café" inside the facility. It will serve coffee and light snacks during regular hours and busy athletic weekends, all while operating as a work-based employment site for adults with autism.
Ramapo College Roadrunners Build Business Plan for Conservation Center
Ramapo College of New Jersey Roadrunners partnered with the New Jersey School of Conservation to develop a business plan aimed at strengthening operations, marketing, and long-term sustainability for the Sussex County environmental education center. The team conducted field visits, stakeholder interviews, and research to assess organizational needs and growth opportunities. The project supports improved funding strategies, operational efficiency, and long-term planning to enhance the center’s viability and community engagement.
Photography by Boozy Burbs
Photography by Ramapo College of New Jersey
Georgia Brings the Charm
Ramapo Valley’s Next Top Doggy Model is soulful, sassy, snuggly and always ready for a swim.
ARTICLE BY BROOKE BOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MY HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY
In May, dogs from across New Jersey gathered for City Lifestyle’s Next Top Doggy Model casting call, where canine contestants competed for the chance to represent their hometown on the cover.
A key partner in the event was K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel Hillsborough, known for luxury dog boarding and daycare, cage-free accommodations and a focus on safe, clean and enriching experiences for pets. K9 Resorts helped make the casting call a memorable day for families and their dogs.
Animal Alliance also joined the event, bringing its mission of helping animals in need to a day centered around community and canine connection. The nonprofit organization rescues, shelters and supports dogs and cats while helping pets find adoptive homes.
Tater Bear Treats added another special touch with small-batch dog treats made in New Jersey, giving the four-legged contestants one more reason to wag their tails.
From playful puppies to seasoned companions, the competition showcased dogs of every breed, size and personality imaginable. While every contestant brought something special to the event, one pup stood out among the entries thanks to her undeniable cuteness and ability to make everyone smile.
For Ramapo Valley readers, that dog is Georgia O’Keeffe.
Named after the iconic American painter, Georgia has officially earned the title of Ramapo Valley’s Next Top Doggy Model. At 5 years old, this lovable mix of golden retriever, poodle and bichon has captured hearts throughout the community with her charm, sass and special bond with her owner, Francesca Jacobus.
While Georgia O’Keeffe may be her official name, she answers to an impressive collection of nicknames, including Bubby, Stink Butt, Georgia Peach, Meme, Bubmomgirl, The Giirrrll and Georgie Porgie. Each one reflects a different side of her spunky personality.
When asked to describe Georgia in three words, Jacobus chose soulful, sassy and snuggly.
It is a combination that perfectly captures her personality.
Georgia is the kind of dog who can make an ordinary day feel brighter simply by being present. Whether she is curled up beside her favorite human, greeting someone new or heading out for an adventure, she brings comfort and happiness wherever she goes.
“Besides being the cutest stinking thing to ever exist, she brings so much joy to every person she meets,” Jacobus says.
That joy is part of what makes Georgia so memorable. She has an easy way of connecting with people and animals alike, greeting the world with a mix of confidence, curiosity and affection.
“Georgia will go anywhere I go,” Jacobus says. “She particularly loves swimming in the bay, and she truly brings joy everywhere she goes. Whether she’s meeting someone new or spending time with family, she has a way of making people smile.”
While some dogs are driven by adventure and others by treats, Georgia seems most motivated by being close to the people she loves.
Still, she does have a favorite activity.
Swimming in the bay ranks high on Georgia’s list of perfect days. There is something about the water that brings out her playful side, and she never passes up an opportunity to make a splash.
—Francesca Jacobus “
When it comes to snacks, Georgia is easy to relate to.
“I think we’ve been best friends in every lifetime.”
The only foods she tends to avoid are fruits and vegetables. Everything else is fair game.
As Jacobus puts it, “The girl loves to snack.”
Like every great cover model, Georgia also has a few memorable quirks that make her unforgettable.
Perhaps her most adorable habit is her morning routine. According to Jacobus, Georgia refuses to properly start her day without hearing her personalized “Good Morning Girl” song. The daily tradition has become an important part of their relationship.
For Jacobus, Georgia is her soul dog.
The two found each other during the COVID19 pandemic, a time when companionship felt more important than ever. Looking back, Jacobus believes she needed Georgia far more than she realized.
Since then, Georgia has been a constant source of comfort, support and unconditional love.
“She always seems to know exactly when I need her,” Jacobus says. “She lifts me up on even my hardest days. I think we’ve been best friends in every lifetime.”
Anyone who has experienced a once-in-alifetime bond with a pet understands exactly what she means. Some dogs seem to have an extraordinary ability to sense emotions and provide comfort. They become more than companions; they become trusted friends, confidants and family members.
For Jacobus, Georgia is all of those things.
As Ramapo Valley’s Next Top Doggy Model, Georgia represents the deep connection between people and their pets, along with the joy a beloved dog can bring into everyday life.
For Jacobus, Georgia will always be Bubby, Georgia Peach and her soul dog. For Ramapo Valley, she is officially a cover model.
The casting call was made possible with support from local pet-focused partners who helped create a welcoming day for dogs, families and the community.
EVENT PARTNERS:
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel Hillsborough 63 Route 206, Suite 100 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 k9resorts.com/hillsborough
Animal Alliance animalalliancenj.org
Tater Bear Treats
Order online: @tater.bear.treats on Facebook and Instagram.
THE BOYS’ NO BAKE BONBONS
Kid-chef-friendly no-bake dog treat recipe
Tools Needed:
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper
Ingredients:
• 1 ¼ cups whole oats, quick or regular
• 1 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes
• 1 cup all-natural peanut butter, preferably no salt; absolutely no xylitol
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup local honey
• All-natural carob powder and coconut flakes for finishing
Preparation Steps:
1. Combine the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole oats and coconut flakes. Add the peanut butter, melted coconut oil and honey. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a uniform dough forms.
2. Shape the Treats With wet hands, roll small amounts of the mixture into balls. Shape portions according to the dog’s size. Larger treats will need more time to firm up in the refrigerator.
3. Chill and Coat Place treats on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Transfer the tray to the refrigerator. Treats sized at roughly 2 tablespoons each will require approximately 15 minutes to set before the final coating.
4. Final Chill and Storage Return the coated treats to the refrigerator for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. Once the treats are dry and hold their shape securely, they are ready to serve. Transfer the remaining portions to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.
RECIPE & PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATER BEAR TREATS
Treat your four-legged family member to something homemade, wholesome and easy enough for little hands to help make. Homemade pet treats are a healthy alternative to store-bought options, letting owners control ingredients and avoid artificial additives. This no-bake recipe combines whole oats, peanut butter and coconut for a simple kitchen project children can help prepare.
Because the recipe requires no oven time, the treats can be customized for small and large dogs.
About Tater Bear Treats
Tater Bear Treats is a New Jersey-based business founded in 2022 by dog owner Christine Weber and her dog, Bear. The company specializes in all-natural, small-batch, home-baked treats designed for pets using human-grade ingredients.
With 10 distinct varieties tested by Bear and a second rescue dog named Ford, the brand avoids preservatives and additives in its products. In addition to traditional cookies, the product line features smoked jerkies, pet accessories and curated home decor.
Tater Bear Treats products are available online: @tater.bear.treats on Facebook and Instagram.
MOVEMENT with a message
FITNESS, CONFIDENCE AND CHARACTER LESSONS FOR TODAY’S KIDS
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIGEL JOHN-BAPTISTE
At a time when kids are spending more of childhood on screens, Dave Joisil saw an opportunity.
Instead of fighting technology, the New Jersey educator and creator chose to turn it into a tool for movement, confidence and character building.
Today, Joisil is the creator behind “Hey, It’s Mr. J,” a growing children’s brand centered on fitness, social-emotional learning and healthy habits. His mission is simple: help kids feel healthy, happy and confident.
“I’ve been an entertainer since I was a kid,” Joisil says.
That energy eventually led him to education. For nearly a decade, Joisil taught physical and health education, combining sports, movement and mentorship in the classroom. Then the COVID-19 pandemic changed how he reached students.
Teaching through a computer screen made one thing clear: motivating children in a digital world required a different approach. Joisil began filming short movement videos for his students—simple, energetic clips designed to get them active at home. The response was immediate.
After stepping away from education for a time, Joisil realized how much he missed working with children. The idea resurfaced.
“Why don’t we do this more often and make this a real thing?” he recalls thinking.
That question became the starting point for “Hey, It’s Mr. J.”
“We live in a world where everyone’s on a screen,” Joisil says.
Rather than resisting that reality, he reframed it. If children are already consuming content, why not offer something that gets them moving and teaches a positive message?
He calls it “quality screen time.”
His videos combine music, movement and life lessons. Each song carries a message, whether it is respect, responsibility, emotional awareness or simple everyday manners. The inspiration often comes from real-life moments with children.
After watching a child repeatedly interrupt a conversation, Joisil wrote a song teaching kids to say “excuse me” before speaking. It was a small behavioral moment, but it reflected his larger philosophy.
Movement is the hook. Character is the goal.
Behind the camera, the operation is still hands-on.
“I wish we had a team,” Joisil says with a laugh.
For now, he writes the songs, develops the concepts and produces much of the content himself. His years in education give him insight into what resonates with children and what they need beyond academics: confidence, empathy, emotional regulation and healthy habits.
develop school visits, workshops, local appearances, music, videos and educational resources that can support children in classrooms, homes and community spaces.
As the brand grows, Joisil hopes to reach more families throughout New Jersey with programs that feel fun first, but leave children with something meaningful. Whether through a song, school assembly or quick movement break at home, his goal is to make healthy habits feel natural, approachable and joyful.
“I want to be the guy that’s known to make kids healthy and happy.”
— Dave Joisil
“I want to be the guy that’s known to make kids healthy and happy,” Joisil says. It is an ambitious goal, but one grounded in consistency. Each video reinforces movement. Each lyric reinforces mindset. Each school visit reinforces connection. For families trying to balance screen time with meaningful content, “Hey, It’s Mr. J” offers something intentionally upbeat: a way for kids to move their bodies, practice life skills and have fun while doing it.
Ideas come from curriculum knowledge, lived experience and time spent with family. The creative process is energetic, intuitive and rooted in real interaction.
While the content creation is largely a one-person operation, Joisil has begun building the brand beyond the screen. He continues to
In a digital landscape crowded with noise, Joisil is building something with purpose. Not just content.
A culture of healthier, happier kids—starting right here in New Jersey.
To learn more about “Hey, It’s Mr. J,” visit heyitsmrj.com
ARTICLE BY BROOKE BOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARRY FARBER
BEHIND Little BILLY
Author Barry Farber turns childhood imagination into a story about empathy, courage and confidence.
The story of Little Billy began with a child’s imagination.
Barry Farber grew up spending summers at a camp in Pennsylvania, where his father worked as director and his mother served as the nurse. His childhood was filled with forests, lakes, mountain trails and a small log cabin. Years later, that cabin would inspire the opening scenes of “The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree,” a children’s book series built around imagination, adventure and life lessons.
For Farber, the heart of the story has always been children themselves: how they learn, build confidence and carry small lessons for a lifetime.
When his own children were young, Farber made up bedtime stories about a boy named Little Billy wandering through magical woods and learning from animals he met along the way. Years later, his daughter reminded him of those stories and challenged him to write them down.
“She said, ‘Dad, you always tell us to finish what we start. Why haven’t you written the children’s book yet?’” Farber recalls. “That was the moment I knew I had to commit to it.”
What followed was years of rejection and persistence. Publishers turned the book down repeatedly. Some wanted to replace the illustrator. Others questioned whether the story belonged in the market.
“When people tell me something won’t work, it motivates me even more,” Farber says. “If you truly believe there’s value behind what you’re creating, you keep going.”
At the center of Little Billy’s journey are five values: empathy, courage, determination, service and attitude. Each lesson is represented by an animal character. Lawrence the Owl teaches kindness and service. Bosco the Bear represents attitude and positivity. Sheba the Wolf encourages bravery. Rupert the Toad teaches empathy, while Sherman the Turtle talks about discipline.
Farber was careful not to create a story that felt preachy. Instead, he wanted children to absorb the lessons naturally through adventure and imagination.
“You don’t want kids feeling like they’re being lectured,” he says. “You want them entertained first, and then the message stays with them.”
That balance between imagination and emotional learning has resonated with families. Parents often write to Farber to share that their children ask to read the story night after night. For him, those moments matter more than sales numbers or recognition.
“Knowing somewhere a parent or grandparent is reading Little Billy before bedtime—that’s everything,” he says.
The project recently entered a new chapter close to home in New Jersey. In June, Livingston High School theater students transformed the story into a live stage production for younger audiences. Farber also shared the project with the Livingston Township Council, where he spoke about the book’s message of determination and the persistence it took to bring Little Billy to life.
Rather than tightly controlling the adaptation, Farber encouraged the students to use their own creativity while keeping the story’s core values intact.
“Kids connect best when they feel ownership and creativity.”
— Barry Faber
“I wanted them to make it theirs,” he says. “Kids connect best when they feel ownership and creativity.”
The production was filmed and will be shared with schools, allowing younger children to experience the story through live performance.
That sense of purpose extends beyond the page. Inspired by Little Billy’s connection to helping animals in the story, Farber partnered with Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve in New Jersey, where portions of book proceeds help support rescued animals. He hopes children who read the series enjoy the adventure and understand how compassion and kindness show up in real life.
As many parents worry about screen time and the fast pace of childhood, Farber believes stories still hold power. Not because they provide all the answers, but because they create opportunities for connection between children, parents and the values families hope to pass down.
“Kids remember stories,” Farber says. “They remember how a character made them feel. If Little Billy helps even one child become more confident, compassionate or determined, then every rejection letter and obstacle along the way was worth it.”
To learn more about Barry Farber and “The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree,” visit barryfarber.com/little-billy
SERVICE TO THE Community
Empowering Students to Use Their Gifts in Service to Others
ARTICLE BY ANNEMARIE VAUGHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY
There is a reason why Immaculate Heart Academy has been repeatedly named the Best Private School in Bergen County. In addition to its rigorous academic program and powerhouse athletics, students are empowered on a daily basis to lead with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Service at IHA is more than just something that is required; it is a central part of the school’s mission to form students as young women who embody the Gospel and dedicate themselves to Christian service by giving back to their communities and developing compassion for others.
Students attend several Midnight Runs in New York City throughout the school year to provide food, clothes and conversations with individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition to the Midnight Runs, IHA Campus Ministry also holds annual Christmas and Easter drives for clothes, candy, gift cards, and books for Strengthen Our Sisters Shelter and Sacred Heart School. Students also use the opportunity of Catholic Schools Week to hold an additional charity drive for Pencils for Pula (PFP), recently raising more than 3,600 school supplies for students in under-resourced classrooms. According to PFP, “IHA’s continued support is a powerful reminder of what a caring community can accomplish when it comes together for a common purpose.”
Thanksgiving Senior Dinner
Diaper Drive
Students dedicate their time to support vulnerable populations across many generations. They host diaper drives for Saint Joseph’s Care Corner in Oradell, craft cards and bracelets with encouraging messages for hospice patients at Villa Marie Claire, and treat hundreds of senior citizens to a free dinner and companionship for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Service at IHA also extends to the athletic field as sports teams regularly host fundraisers and events for various causes. The IHA Softball Team, for instance, hosts an annual invitational tournament in honor of the late IHA coach Anthony LaRezza, who passed away due to cancer. Over the last several years, IHA Softball has raised nearly $125,000 to support Tackle Kids Cancer and Hackensack Meridian Health Children’s Cancer Institute. The school’s numerous clubs also get involved in service opportunities as part of their mission. As an example, the Military Awareness Club volunteered to place wreaths on the headstones of U.S. veterans buried at the United States Military Academy.
To recognize all of these efforts, IHA held its annual Service Awards Ceremony earlier this year to celebrate students for their inspiring commitment to service. From service to the elderly and individuals with disabilities to breast cancer awareness and dedication to veterans, IHA students served more than 33,000 hours during the 2025-26 school year! Ms. Emily Ash ’19, theology teacher and director of Campus Ministry, explains why IHA is proud to recognize their service, “Through their dedication to service, our students bring so much light to the world and make the Love of God Himself present and real in the lives of others. In a world that says, TikTok and Instagram likes determine your worth and that a perfectly curated Instagram feed with a catchy caption is what you have to do to be known in the world, we celebrate all of our young women who say we know differently—we know that the one who truly knows us is God, and He asks us go out and love His people through our actions. Their service points to what authentic service should be: selfless, loving, and using one's God-given gifts to meet the needs of His people.”
Immaculate Heart Academy
Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an allgirls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark presently celebrating its 66th year. A Blue Ribbon School, IHA enrolls approximately 650 girls in a competitive college preparatory program from nearly 100 towns in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties in New Jersey, and more than 20 towns in Rockland and Orange counties in New York. Over the years, IHA has continually grown and evolved, fortifying its academics, activities and facilities to prepare students for further education, and for the enhancement of society through their personal, professional and spiritual gifts.
Immaculate Heart Academy is located at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington, NJ.
Easter Giving
ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA GALVEZ
A LITTLE SPARKLE FOR THE COLLAR
NUGGYZ BRINGS JEWELRY-INSPIRED LETTER CHARMS TO PETS WITH PLENTY OF PERSONALITY.
For our Kids + Pets Issue, we looked for something special for the fourlegged family members who already have the bed, toys, treats and most of the household authority.
Enter Nuggyz, a jewelry-inspired collection from Nuggets & Karats that brings a little glamour to the collar with custom letter pendants made for pets who were never meant to blend in.
“Every pet has its own personality, and Nuggyz celebrates that individuality in a chic and playful way,” —Erika Galvez
The collection takes a familiar idea—the personalized pet collar—and gives it a more decorative twist. Nuggyz features 18-karat gold-plated brass letter pendants designed in a gothic font with delicate floral accents. The letters can be attached to a pet collar to spell out a name, nickname or word with personal meaning.
Whether displayed as a single initial or a full name, the pendants add a personalized touch that helps pets stand out. They also make thoughtful gifts for new pet owners, birthdays, adoption anniversaries or anyone looking to celebrate a beloved companion.
“Every pet has its own personality, and Nuggyz celebrates that individuality in a chic and playful way,” says Erika Galvez, founder of Nuggets & Karats. “We believe that pets deserve to be adorned with the same level of craftsmanship and artistry that we put into our jewelry, and Nuggyz perfectly embodies that philosophy.”
For many pet owners, collars have become more than practical accessories. They are another small way to show off a pet’s personality, whether that means a bright color, a playful tag or, in this case, a little extra shine. It is the kind of detail that feels right at home on a neighborhood walk, in a family photo or beside the pet bed that somehow became the best seat in the house.
The collection also reflects a growing trend among pet owners who enjoy incorporating their pets into family celebrations, holiday photos and everyday moments. Just as people personalize everything from phone cases to handbags, many are looking for creative ways to showcase their pets’ unique personalities. Nuggyz offers a playful option that feels both fashionable and meaningful.
Nuggets & Karats is known for handmade, limited-edition jewelry, and the Nuggyz collection brings that same designminded approach into the pet world. The result is playful but elevated, with pieces that feel more like keepsakes than standard collar accessories.
For the pet who already has everything—and probably knows it—Nuggyz is one more way to let a little personality show.
The Nuggyz collection is available at nuggetsandkarats.com
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
THE KIDS
How family moments inspired some of Chef David Burke’s most iconic creations.
DO IT MADE ME
ARTICLE BY CHEF DAVID BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BURKE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
This month’s kids and pets theme got me thinking about the times my kids have impacted my culinary creativity, including one rainy day at home with my boys that unexpectedly inspired one of my most playful desserts: cake pops.
It was back in the early ’90s. My two little boys and I were stuck at home due to torrential rain. When I started thinking about what to feed them, I realized I only had cream cheese and smoked salmon in the refrigerator. “Hey, I’m a chef. I don’t eat at home all that much.”
I thought I was up the proverbial creek until I remembered I had recently acquired a lollipop mold with sticks from a yard sale. Knowing my boys were suckers for lollipops, I figured I could trick them into eating the salmon and cream cheese if they were on a stick.
So, I chopped up the salmon, combined it with the cream cheese, pressed the mixture into the rounds of the mold and stuck a stick in each one. After a brief stint in the freezer to set up, I presented the salmon and cream cheese lollipops to the boys.
They didn’t bite, literally. But I did. And I thought the idea was delicious, fun to eat, and worth revisiting in a sweeter form.
That rainy-day experiment eventually led me to create a cake pop. Presented on a metal “tree” in a variety of flavors, they have remained a best-selling dessert. They can be much easier to make than you might think—see the recipe below—and are sure to add a wow factor to any occasion.
This version uses prepared elements, making it easy enough to become a staple of your own repertoire.
CAKE POP:
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 can prepared chocolate frosting
• 18 lollipop sticks
• 1 bag chocolate candy melts
• 1 tube decorating icing
• 1 tablespoon multicolored candy sprinkles, crumbled Heath bar or both
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish while the oven is heating.
2. With a mixer on low speed, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs in a bowl for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes more.
3. Pour batter into the greased baking dish. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 28 to 33 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for at least one hour.
4. Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl. Stir in frosting until mixture is sticky and starts to come together, but is not smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll cake mixture into 18 1.5-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Place ¼ cup candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high until melted, about 20 seconds.
7. Push a lollipop stick halfway into each ball. Gently dip balls into the melted chocolate to coat. Then place upright in a foam block.
8. While coating is wet, decorate the cake pops with candy sprinkles, Heath bar crumbles or both.
ABOUT CHEF DAVID BURKE
Brooklyn-born chef and restaurateur David Burke, who was raised and continues to live in New Jersey, is known for playful, precision-driven modern American cooking and elevated comfort classics. His restaurants span New Jersey and beyond, bringing his signature creativity and hospitality to dining destinations across the state.
To learn more, explore his restaurants, or get in touch, visit chefdavidburke.com and follow his culinary adventures on Instagram @chefdavidburke
Chef David Burke
AUGUST 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 4TH
Pop Divas Through the Decades
Elmwood Park Recreation Bandshell, 500 Mola Blvd., Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 | 7:30 PM
Dance the night away at a free outdoor tribute concert celebrating female artists from The Supremes to Donna Summer. Featuring high-energy vocal trio The Chiclettes and Bobby Wilson, this dynamic performance showcases decades of classic pop, rock and soul hits backed by a premier live band. Bring a lawn chair for an unforgettable musical journey. Reserve your spot at bandsintown.com
AUGUST 7TH
Band on
the Sand: Side Hustle
Wyckoff Family YMCA, 691 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 | 7:00 PM
Relive the best of a decade at the Wyckoff Family YMCA’s seasonal “Band on the Sand” lakeside concert. This free, open-air performance features New Jersey’s premier 1990s tribute band, Side Hustle, delivering an evening packed with nostalgia and danceable classic hits. Bring a beach chair to enjoy an iconic summer night. Learn more at wyckoffymca.org
AUGUST 8TH
90s Alternative & Lounge Act
Crystal Lake Community Beach, 61 Lakeshore Dr., Oakland, NJ 07436 | 7:30 PM
Dive into a nostalgic music experience at Crystal Lake Community Beach’s highly anticipated triple-billed band night. This open-air lakeside event features a themed lounge act alongside powerful tribute performances by local favorites Say it Ain’t Scorcho and Jar of Flies. Enjoy an evening of iconic 1990s alternative rock hits directly on the shoreline. Sign up at crystallakecommunitybeach.org
AUGUST 11TH
Adult Pottery Workshop: Ramen Bowl
Wyckoff Family YMCA, 691 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 | 5:30 PM
Tap into your creative side at the Wyckoff Family YMCA’s interactive pottery workshop. Learn simple slab-building techniques to design and shape a custom, handmade clay ramen bowl—no pottery wheel required. Instructors will guide you through adding personal textures before glazing. The resulting pieces are food, microwave and dishwasher safe. All materials are included. Sign up at wyckoffymca.org.
AUGUST 22ND
Greg Vacca Live
Hansil's Bar & Grill, 7 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, NJ 07436 | 9:00 PM
Spend an energetic Saturday evening at Hansil’s Bar & Grill experiencing a live performance by regional musician Greg Vacca. This intimate indoor concert showcases a vibrant mix of classic covers and acoustic rock inside a beloved local venue. It is the perfect weekend outing for casual dining and great local entertainment. View event details at hansilsbarandgrill.com
AUGUST 29TH
Family Beach Night, Campfire and S’mores
Crystal Lake Community Beach, 61 Lakeshore Dr., Oakland, NJ 07436 | 7:00 PM
Gather your loved ones for a cozy evening at the Crystal Lake Community Beach annual “Family Beach Night, Campfire and S’mores.” This family-focused outdoor event lets participants wind down the summer season on the shoreline. Enjoy gathering around a roasting campfire, melting delicious treats and relaxing under the stars. Learn more at crystallakecommunitybeach.org
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ARTICLE BY CARA ZAMORSKI, HWC, HN
what your dog knows about your energy
Discover how dogs reflect our emotions, what their behavior may reveal about stress, and how they can strengthen awareness, connection and well-being.
Most dog owners have experienced it.
You come home after a stressful day, and before you've said a word, your dog is acting differently. Maybe they’re pacing, or they’re glued to your side.
It's easy to assume our dogs are simply reacting to the moment, but often they're responding to something deeper: us.
As an Emotional Clarity Consultant and Holistic Health Coach based in New Jersey, I've spent years helping people become more aware of the connection between their emotions, nervous system and overall well-being. One of the most fascinating reminders of that connection often comes from the animals sharing our homes.
Dogs are incredibly attuned to human behavior. Long before we consciously recognize that we're stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or distracted, our dogs are often responding to subtle shifts in our body language, breathing patterns and daily routines.
In many ways, our dogs become emotional mirrors.
DOGS NOTICE WHAT WE MISS
Most people think of emotions as thoughts, but stress often shows up physically before we recognize it mentally. We may walk faster, tighten our shoulders,
breathe more shallowly or become less present in our surroundings.
Dogs are remarkably skilled at noticing these changes.
Research has shown that dogs can read human facial expressions, vocal tones and body language with surprising accuracy. While we may not realize anything has changed, our dogs often do. Have you ever noticed your dog becoming restless when you're rushing around the house or unusually clingy when you're feeling overwhelmed?
They're responding to information you're unconsciously communicating. Many dog owners are surprised to discover that what they initially thought was a behavioral issue was actually a reflection of the emotional environment around them.
WHY NATURE HELPS US NOTICE
One of the gifts of living in the Ramapo Valley region is access to outdoor spaces that naturally encourage us to slow down. Whether you're walking the trails at Ramapo Valley County Reservation, spending time at Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, exploring Darlington County Park or simply taking a walk through your neighborhood, these environments create opportunities to become more aware of both your dog and yourself.
It’s easy to assume our dogs are simply reacting to the moment, but often they’re responding to something deeper: us.
When we're constantly moving from one obligation to the next, emotional awareness often gets drowned out by noise and distraction. Nature has a way of turning the volume down.
Away from screens and endless notifications, we begin noticing things we might otherwise miss. We notice our breathing, the tension in our bodies and whether we're moving through the day with ease or rushing from one task to the next.
Our dogs notice these shifts, too.
A walk that starts with a stressed, distracted owner often feels very different from one where the owner is calm, present and engaged. Dogs are highly sensitive and attuned to those changes.
The slower pace and strong connection to outdoor living that define communities such as Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Oakland and Mahwah create an ideal setting for observing this connection in real time.
Dogs have a remarkable way of bringing us back to the present moment, helping us recognize what’s happening internally before stress and frustration
have a chance to build.
YOUR DOG MAY BE REFLECTING YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM
Our nervous system is constantly scanning for cues of safety or stress. When we're tense, frustrated or emotionally overwhelmed, our bodies communicate that state whether we realize it or not.
Dogs are doing the same thing.
Because they live so closely with us, they often take cues from our emotional state. If we're constantly rushing, our dogs may become more reactive. If we're calm and grounded, they often appear calmer as well.
This doesn't mean every behavior challenge is caused by the owner. Dogs have their own personalities, experiences and needs. However, paying attention to our own emotional state can provide valuable insight. Sometimes the first clue that we're carrying stress is noticing how our dog is responding to us.
THE POWER OF DAILY RITUALS
The good news is that emotional awareness doesn't require complicated wellness routines. Some of the most meaningful opportunities for connection happen during everyday moments with our pets.
Whether it's a morning walk, an afternoon hike or simply sitting outside together for a few quiet minutes, these rituals create space to slow down and become more aware.
As you're walking alongside your dog, consider what you're bringing into the experience. Are you fully present, or is your mind racing through tomorrow's to-do list? Are your shoulders tense? Is your breathing shallow?
Often, physical tension carries an emotional message. These quieter moments allow us to become curious about what may be happening beneath the surface.
The goal isn't to analyze every emotion. It's simply to notice. Dogs have a remarkable way of bringing us back to the present moment, helping us recognize what's happening internally before stress and frustration have a chance to build.
LEARNING FROM THE RELATIONSHIP
One reason the bond between humans and dogs is so powerful is because it encourages authenticity. Our dogs don't care about our job title, social media presence or daily accomplishments. They respond to who we are in the moment.
The next time you're out enjoying Ramapo Valley's trails, parks or neighborhoods, try paying attention not only to your dog but also to yourself.
Notice how your dog responds when you're relaxed. Notice what changes when you're stressed.
You may discover that your dog has been offering valuable insight all along. Sometimes emotional awareness doesn't begin with looking inward. Sometimes it begins by looking down at the loyal companion walking beside you.
About the Author
Cara Zamorski is a New Jersey–based Emotional Clarity Consultant, Certified Holistic Health Coach, Holistic Nutritionist, Health and Wellness Coach, Gut Health Nutrition Specialist, and Weight Loss Coach. A HER2-positive breast cancer survivor and BRCA2 carrier, Cara’s personal health journey and extensive firsthand experience in holistic wellness, somatic practices, and self-healing modalities work to support a balanced mind-body approach to health. Through Wellness with Cara Mia, she helps women and individuals gain emotional clarity, balance hormones, support gut and metabolic health, and create sustainable lifestyle change. Learn more at wellnesswithcaramia.com
