LIFESTYLE LETTER
August- Our Kids & Pets Issue
A Note from the Publisher
Welcome to our highly anticipated annual Kids & Pets issue! If there is one defining characteristic of our beautiful community, it is the immense love and dedication we pour into raising our children and nurturing our four-legged companions. They are the true heartbeat of our communities, filling our homes with chaotic joy, boundless laughter, and unconditional affection.
This month, we are especially thrilled to celebrate the incredible young photographic artistry right in our backyard. Our cover story features the grand reveal of the Wayne Lifestyle "Picture This" 2026 Student Photo Contest Winners. A massive congratulations to our talented cover winner, Tolai Alsalahat from Wayne Valley High School, whose striking work graces the front of this month's issue!
Beyond our cover, this issue is packed with stories that capture the beautiful, messy, and heartwarming reality of family life:
• Behind the Screen: We bring you an exclusive Lifestyle Publications interview with Trey and Katie Kennedy—one of the most followed family lifestyle couples in the country—as they open up about what doesn't make their social media feed.
• Pure Devotion: We go behind the scenes with our favorite vet, Linda Dulude from The Gentle Vet , to discover how she and her husband, Dan , pour so much genuine love into the care of the animals they treat.
• Pet-Friendly Design: Want to protect your home without sacrificing style? Jen Wylie , Owner of Floor Coverings International in Clifton , gives us the hard facts to get us past those common "pet floor myths."
• A Lakeside Laugh: Don't miss our chuckle-worthy feature sharing a funny mishap at the lake—an incident where two very concerned dogs wondered why Mom was going for a sudden swim.
• Real Support: Because family journeys can have heavy moments, resident psychiatrist Dyana Thompson , owner of Evolution Medicine , shares essential guidance on how to navigate Postpartum Depression. As the final weeks of summer roll on, I invite you to slow down and savor the magic in the everyday. Let’s make it a priority to appreciate the pure joy and innocence of the children around us, as well as the curiosity and loyal companionship of our pets. Wishing you all a beautiful August!
PHILLIP BARONE, PUBLISHER @WAYNELIFESTYLEMAG
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Officially Social | jamie@officiallysocial.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Don Seaman, Jennifer Wylie, Jennifer Seaman, Jessica Racioppe, Dyana Thompson, Phillip Barone, Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Agnello Photography and Video, Erin Jowaisas, Jessica Racioppe, Tolai Alsalahat, Camille Neuendorff, Sunehra Thakkar, Chad Thompson, Ava Renner, Rayyan Muktadir, Jacqueline Lacognata, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
STEP INTO A NEW PAUL MILLER
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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
“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 JANIE JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
“Picture This” 2026
SPOTLIGHTING THE WINNERS OF OUR ANNUAL STUDENT PHOTO CONTEST
ARTICLE
BY
PHILLIP BARONE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDENTS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES
Sunehra Thakkar, Wayne Valley, “Sun Kissed Horizons”
Chad Thompson, Wayne Hills, “The Man In Motion”
We’re proud to share with you this year’s winners of Wayne Lifestyle’s Annual “Picture This” Student Photography Contest. As usual, there were several hundred submissions. This is our 4th annual contest and the overall quality of the photos keeps going higher and higher which is a true testament to the various photography teachers and mentors who are working with the kids within our communities.
The contest is open to any student in grades 9-12 as long as they live in or attend the school districts within Wayne, Fairfield, Montville, or Towaco. Although the majority of the entries came from Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley, we have been receiving more and more student photo submissions from other schools in our communities. We love to see that so let’s keep this growing!
Once again, in addition to the winning cover shot, there were 3 winners each from two separate categories: Straight Photography and Digitally Manipulated Photography.
Winning photos will be displayed from September through November at several locations. Come see them on display at:
-Kingsview Partners, 1044 Route 23, Suite 104, Wayne
-Peluso Orthodontics, 659 Valley Road, Wayne
- JSC Dentistry, 87 Berdan Ave, Suite 1B, Wayne
-The Gentle Vet, 647 Bloomfield Ave, West Caldwell
As usual, we will announce next year’s contest in our February issue. For further inquiries or if you have an interest in sponsoring the contest, please email wayne@citylifestyle.com
This Year’s Winners Were:
Cover Photo Winner: Tolai Alsalahat, Wayne Valley High School, “Sunshine In Hand”
Straight Photography:
• Camille Neuendorff, Wayne Hills, “The Eye”
• Sunehra Thakkar, Wayne Valley, “Sun Kissed Horizons”
• Chad Thompson, Wayne Hills, “The Man In Motion”
Digital Manipulated Photography:
• Ava Renner, Wayne Hills, “Spiral Descent”
• Rayyan Muktadir, Wayne Valley, “Mountains In The Mist”
• Jacqueline Lacognata, Wayne Valley, “Where Silence Flowers”
Fantastic job to each of this year’s contestants!
Ava Renner, Wayne Hills, “Spiral Descent”
Jacqueline Lacognata, Wayne Valley, “Where Silence Flowers”
Rayyan Muktadir, Wayne Valley, “Mountains In The Mist”
Camille Neuendorff, Wayne Hills, “The Eye”
Joe’s Realtor
At Least One Hike Planned Before Year End
On June 17, the Fed made no rate change but shifted their official position from possible tax cuts, to tax hikes. Nine of eighteen Fed officials want at least one hike before year’s end with six wanting two while in March, no officials had a hike on the table. May inflation hit 4.2% annually, the hottest it’s been in three years. Warsh maintained that a 2% target remaining to be the inflation goal. The FedWatch Tool shows a 70% chance of no rate change at the next Fed meeting, and a 30% chance of a hike, leaving no chance of a rate cut. Good News: Oil is down below the lowest levels since pre Us-Iran war. Gas prices are following and mortgage rates are also down slightly. The Feds and the market don’t make major shifts from one headline, at least for improvement. For us in NJ, it’s the same story we’ve been saying. Inventory will remain tight and rates won’t make it much easier to get sellers off the sidelines.
Pete’s Mortgage Corner
Growing Family, Growing Space: When Is It Time to Upsize?
If your family has outgrown your current home, you’re likely weighing a familiar question: do we sell first or buy first? Selling first gives you certainty — you know exactly what you’re working with. But it also means temporary housing or a rushed purchase. Buying first is ideal, but most families need the equity from their current home to make the next one work. Here’s where strategy comes in. If your finances allow, purchasing without a sale contingency makes your offer significantly stronger in a competitive market. For families who need their equity but want to avoid a contingent offer, a mortgage recast can be a powerful tool. You purchase with a smaller down payment, sell your current home, then apply a lump sum to your new mortgage. The lender recalculates your payment based on the reduced balance. Not every lender offers this, but we work with several who do. Let’s talk through what’s possible for your situation.
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
THE Animal FAMILY
The Gentle Vet Is Where Anxious Pets Learn to Exhale
When he was a baby, Ryan Dulude unknowingly spent time in a cage surrounded by animals. His mother was not only unconcerned about this, she actually orchestrated it.
You do what you need to do as you’re building your veterinary practice while caring for a newborn. So that’s exactly what Linda Dulude did. She put her son in his Pack ‘n Play and got to work at keeping animals healthy.
When you run a business as a family, this is simply normal. It’s also normal that your husband, who was in nursing school, comes in to help set up the practice from the ground up. He was there through all of it, renovating the place, setting up computer systems, running a business, even learning how to insert an IV catheter - before he did it in nursing school.
“When we opened our first office, I was five months pregnant. I guess I really like to jump in with both feet when I do things,” remembers Linda. So it became a family project by necessity.
“Dan was completely supportive. He helped me establish everything despite still being in nursing school. And here we are, 20 years later, and ironically, his nursing skills are still helping to set us apart.”
“I did different areas of critical care nursing for a long time,” Dan explains. “I started to get burned out, and she needed extra help. She says, ‘Well, come and do all this stuff that nobody else has time to do.’ Networking. Social Media.” “Plus, we get all of those concierge skills that he’s naturally so good at,” Linda adds.
He still helps with patient care along with his back-office role, although putting a catheter in an animal is a very different experience than working with humans. “When I started putting IVs back in animals, I was like, "Oof," Dan says. “The amount of force I have to use to get through the skin was light years away from a human.”
“It’s just a feel,” Linda concedes. “I mean, I'd probably put an IV catheter through a human's arm if I went to put it in because their skin is so soft.”
It’s also harder to reason with a cat than with a person.
And this is why the Gentle Vet is called what they are. They practice from the pet’s point of view.
They’ve thought to have separate areas for dogs and cats. Dogs don’t mind mixing with cats, but cats REALLY do. Two waiting areas, exam rooms, kennel areas. They even have calming pheromone scents to help reduce feline stress, along with bird feeders outside the window.
“We even teach clients the proper way to carry a cat carrier to help reduce stress,” Linda says. “Cats don’t like to be low when they’re someplace scary. They want to be higher, so you don’t want to just place them on the floor.”
“We also do fear-free stuff for the dogs, she continues. “We'll just take our time if a dog is nervous and sit on the table and wait for the dog to come to us and talk to us. We always take extra time. I had one client the other day that brought their dog in, and all we did was teach the dog how to sit on the table, and he left. I didn't
“You take care of the clients as much as you take care of the patients. These animals, they're people's babies.”
even give the dog a checkup. We just stopped. So I told him he can come in anytime, and we'll do little bits of that every time so the dog doesn't find it scary. They can just walk the dogs in and get treats so going to the vet isn't scary.”
“I started working with animals at a very young age,” Linda explains. “I think working with horses, since I was very young, helps because you can't muscle a 1,000-pound animal to do what you want. You have to know how to handle them and get them to do what you want. And I think having that patience when a horse is freaking out and learning not to muscle them has taught me to not just hold these animals really tightly and just make them scared.”
“It’s safer for the pet, and it’s safer for us, really,” says Dan. “An agitated dog or cat can be dangerous.” Taking the time for a little bonding establishes trust and makes for a calmer pet.
It's respecting them on their level, really.
This is what an animal hospital looks like when it was built as a family, not as a business.
It’s sort of the perfect blend of nursing and animal care. It didn’t start out that way. Not on purpose, anyway.
The Gentle Vet keeps a ‘cat only’ designated exam room
“It's an expectation that our patients and owners have a concierge-level experience, before they even walk through the door.. That same vibe is the culture that we have in a hospital.”
“Honestly, I had no intention of marrying someone in veterinary medicine because I felt like, ‘What else would you talk about in your own life?’ And honestly, I was leery about Dan coming and working with me because then you’re just together 24/7. But actually, we have a lot of fun at work, and it's actually been even better than I thought it could be. So there's that.”
“But it's also fun bringing all that nursing knowledge and experience in and then having her be such a great clinician, and then we can talk about cases and bounce ideas back and forth off each other. I find that to be loads of fun because it feels like we're always learning a little something every day.”
And that caged infant has been working with them since he was 14. It’s his last summer with them as he’s off to college to study medicine.
It looks like he’ll have a great head start.
The Gentle Vet is there for your pets at 647 Bloomfield Ave in West Caldwell. Call/ email at 973-335-6500 or reception@thegentlevetnj.com
THE GENTLE VET
“As it says right on our web page, to us, caring for your pet is not just a job. It is our life’s calling. And we’ll care for yours like our own. We offer you and your pet a better experience and hold ourselves to uncommon standards. When you come to us, we not only welcome you to the practice, but we welcome you into the family.”
A Phone, A Lake, And Two Panicking Dogs
When The Moment Comes, Sometimes You Just Have To Jump Right In
We both heard the bloop. Erin looked at me and said, “What was that?”
And I said,
“…I think I just dropped my phone in the lake.”
Then we both saw it.
The screen was still glowing underwater. And I thought, I have two choices: One, go in after it before the light goes out. Two, go buy a new phone.
That’s it.
No overthinking.
Just do something or do nothing.
Meanwhile the dogs are pacing, Erin’s counting rails, and we head to the bank so I can walk in. We’re laughing, adrenaline is pumping, and I realize there is absolutely NO way my kids are ever going to believe this story.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN JOWAISAS
Thank goodness Erin was there to take the dogs as I headed into the lake. She asked if she could film it and I said, “Yes. My kids need this laugh today.”
So, in I went.
At first it was knee deep.
Then one more step and suddenly it shot up to my ribs and I looked back at Erin and said “Ohhh… it’s REALLY cold.”
At that point I was committed.
What was interesting wais I wasn’t afraid or even angry. It was just the challenge of the moment. I knew I could do it. I grew up swimming in this lake. But it was cold.
And I had to focus.
Erin counted the bridge rails and lined it up with the pylons where the phone dropped while holding two emotionally devastated dogs. Charlie — my Labrador who ironically is NOT a fan of water — was barking from shore. Darwin was crying. It was a scene.
First dive: nothing.
Second dive: okay… this is harder than I thought.
Because now the silt was kicked up, I couldn’t see underwater anymore, my shoes were sinking in the mud, and every time I went under it got colder.
At one point I thought:
“How much time do I actually have before that light goes out?”
Not fear.
Urgency.
By the third dive I realized the answer wasn’t to move faster.
It was to get calmer.
So I stopped.
Controlled my breathing. Focused. Trusted myself and my friend.
Erin was now directing me from above on the bridge — a better vantage point — because she could still see the light, which I could not.
“One step closer.”
“Right there.”
“You got it.”
Head submerged again. I came up holding the phone. Still working. And somewhere between the freezing water, adrenaline, laughing at myself, crying dogs, my friend guiding me from above, and two joggers staring at me like I had completely lost my mind while I stood dripping wet telling them, “You guys should really try the lake today, the water’s delightful…”
…I realized the lesson.
Sometimes the fastest way to shift your energy is to fully enter the moment in front of you. You have two choices: do something or do nothing. The dogs eventually recovered from the trauma. Erin and I still got to catch up afterward. My shoes are still wet.
And somehow my nervous system is calmer.
The energy shifted.
Thank you, Erin, for having my back — and my dogs.
For more positive inspirations, follow Jen on Instagram @jens.reikicorner
Sometimes the fastest way to shift your energy is to fully enter the moment in front of you.
Denise Fuchs Proven Success Coach
flooring myths for pet owners
Don't
The Importance Of Proper Flooring For Your Furry Family Members
If you share your home with a dog or cat, you've probably heard plenty of opinions about which flooring works best for pets. As a flooring professional (and a dog owner myself), I hear many of the same misconceptions over and over again.
The good news? There isn't one perfect floor for every pet owner, and some of the most common "rules" about pets and flooring simply aren't true.
MYTH #1: CARPET AND PETS DON'T MIX
Many people assume that having pets automatically means carpet is off the table. While pet accidents and shedding can certainly be concerns, today's carpets have come a long way. Many are designed with built-in stain resistance and fibers that make cleanup easier than ever before.
For some households, carpet can actually be a great choice. It provides warmth, comfort, and traction—especially for older pets who may struggle on slippery surfaces. The key is choosing the right carpet and maintaining it properly.
MYTH #2: WATERPROOF FLOORING IS INDESTRUCTIBLE
Waterproof flooring is one of the most popular choices among pet owners, and for good reason. It offers excellent protection against spills, water bowls, muddy paws, and the occasional accident.
However, "waterproof" doesn't mean "worry-free." Pet accidents should still be cleaned up promptly, and standing moisture should never be left sitting on any floor for extended periods. Waterproof flooring can provide peace of mind, but it isn't a substitute for proper care and maintenance.
MYTH #3: HARDWOOD AND DOGS DON'T MIX
This is probably one of the most common myths I hear.
The truth is that many families successfully enjoy hardwood floors and dogs under the same roof. While no hardwood floor is completely immune to scratches, factors such as the species of wood, the finish used, the size and activity level of your pet, and even how well their nails are maintained can all make a difference.
Will your hardwood floor show some signs of life over time? Possibly. But many homeowners find that a few character marks are well worth it for the beauty and longevity hardwood provides.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WYLIE | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JOHN AGNELLO PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Overlook
MYTH #4: LUXURY VINYL FLOORING IS SCRATCH-PROOF
Luxury vinyl flooring has become incredibly popular with pet owners because it's durable, easy to clean, and often resistant to scratches. But resistance and proof are not the same thing.
No flooring product is completely immune to damage. Heavy furniture, sharp objects, and even enthusiastic zoomies can leave marks under the right circumstances. Luxury vinyl is an excellent option for many pet owners, but it's important to have realistic expectations about any flooring material.
MYTH #5: THE HARDEST FLOOR IS ALWAYS THE BEST FLOOR FOR PETS
When shopping for flooring, many pet owners focus exclusively on durability. While durability is important, it isn't the only factor worth considering.
Think about your pet's comfort and safety as well. Extremely hard surfaces may not provide the traction
some pets need, particularly senior dogs. Noise can also be a factor. If you've ever heard the sound of paws racing through the house at full speed, you know exactly what I mean!
The best flooring choice is often a balance of durability, comfort, maintenance, appearance, and how your family actually lives.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As much as we love our pets, they can be tough on our homes. Between muddy paws, shedding, accidents, and the occasional burst of energy, our floors see a lot of action.
The good news is that there are more pet-friendly flooring options available today than ever before. Rather than focusing on myths or one-size-fits-all advice, consider your pet's age, activity level, and your family's lifestyle when making flooring decisions.
After all, the best floor isn't necessarily the trendiest or the toughest, it's the one that helps both you and your furry family members feel right at home.
For more about what Jennifer and Floor Coverings International can do for your floors, see them at floorcoveringsinternational. com/locations/us/nj/metro-new-jersey or call 973-574-3132
Jennifer Wylie
Our Cutest Pets Are Here!
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
Mochi - owner is Jamie Yi Sunny - owner is Catherine Park
Nugget - owner is Sophia Lewis
We’re happy to announce the winners of our first-ever “Cutest Pets” Contest, brought to you by Wayne Lifestyle and TapINTO Wayne. We searched far and wide (well, around here, anyway) to bring you some of the cutest pets you’ll ever see!
As TapINTO Wayne’s Jon "Ferris" Meredith said, we were looking to “see if you've got the makings of a pet superstar in your home.” And honestly, the response was far better than we ever expected. We found some true superstars in our midst.
Granted, it was ruff trying to narrow it down to just a few winners. We saw a lot of paw-tential among all of our contestants. Fur real, these entries had us swooning. We're not kitten around, these are some seriously purrfect cuteness levels.
And now, it’s time to unleash some of the cutest faces around!
A cute pet isn't just something to look at. It’s a little burst of joy that somehow makes every single day a little brighter.
Nami - owner is Elon Tseytlin
Charlie - owner is Don Pavlak
Leo - owner is Robin Elia
Bailey - owner is Ryan Lansing
Ellie - owner is Brandon Andersen
Miles - owner is Danielle Krumbein
Rocco - owner is Arianna Trezza
Blaze - owner is Jenissa Perez
YOU are not ALONE
Postpartum Depression: What I Want New Mothers to Know
ARTICLE BY DYANA THOMPSON
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in women’s mental health, one of the most important messages I share with new mothers is this: postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness, failure, or being a bad parent. It is a common and treatable medical condition that affects many women after childbirth.
While many women experience the “baby blues” during the first couple of weeks after delivery, postpartum depression is more intense and lasts longer. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, feelings of guilt, difficulty bonding with the baby, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities.
One of the biggest barriers to getting help is the belief that mothers should be able to handle everything on their own. I encourage women to let go of that expectation. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The earlier symptoms are recognized and addressed, the sooner recovery can begin.
My advice to new mothers is to pay attention to how you are feeling, be honest with trusted family members and healthcare providers, and give yourself permission to ask for help. Prioritize rest whenever possible, accept support from others, and remember that taking care of your mental health is an important part of taking care of your baby.
If you or someone you love is struggling after the birth of a child, know that you are not alone. Help is available, recovery is possible, and there is hope.
Dyana Thompson PMHNP-BC, PMH-C is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and founder of Evolution Psychiatry, located in Wayne. She can be reached at 973-936-8108.
Dyana Thompson, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C
salty Hair, Sandy Toes and
Services
973-936-8108 evolutionmedicineapn.com BD @dyana-thompson @evolutionmedicineapn
Dyana Thompson PMHNP-BC
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner (PMHNP) with more than 10 years of experience
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup packed grated apples
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Once cooled, place the muffins in a gallon-size freezer bag and freeze flat. They defrost in about an hour, making them perfect for busy mornings. Jess often tosses one into a lunchbox straight from the freezer and it is ready to eat by snack time.
Jessica Racioppe is co-owner of Hiya Pal!, a community-focused indoor playspace in Cedar Grove where families gather to play, connect, and find their village.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA RACIOPPE
As a mom of three young children, I’m always looking for simple ways to add a little extra nutrition to everyday snacks. These carrot apple muffins are a favorite in my house and they’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, naturally sweet, and perfect for lunchboxes, snack time, or busy days on-the-go. They’re packed with good ingredients and a serving of veggies that most kids never even notice.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the carrots, apples, coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, Greek yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups. You can also use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time accordingly.
6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Transfer muffins to a wire rack and cool completely.
Muffins My Kids Actually ASK FOR Carrot
Apple Muffins
Carrot
Peter J. De Frank, Esq
Andrew A. Fraser, Esq
