Photo: Lafayette Interior Fashions
Design: House of Funk / Photo: Mark Weinberg
Celebrate Holiday Cheer!
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a surge of that magical spirit that we often seek to recreate from our youthful memories. Whether it's the scents, sounds, lights, holiday festivities, or a combination of all, we tend to infuse our own family traditions with echoes of our own childhood experiences.
In our household, Christmas morning carries a special tradition. We prepare reindeer-shaped pan cakes for the kids, drenched in organic maple syrup, all while donning matching holiday pajamas. Even our two canine companions, Lucky and Max, get in on the festive attire.
Following this heartwarming breakfast, we convene in our family room, adorned with a Christmas tree that the children helped select and decorate. It's here that we exchange our thoughtful Christmas presents. As our children grow, we discover that Christmas holds an even deeper significance, and it becomes a cherished opportunity to create lasting, love-filled holiday memories as a family. In the words of one of our favorite family movie classics, the Grinch from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," think about that "maybe Christmas doesn't come in a box"; it's so much more!
Wishing you a joyful and heartwarming Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year!
MEYER AND JOHN MEYER , PUBLISHERS
December 2024
PUBLISHERS
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Stephany Aznar
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Benjamin Meyer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Benjamin Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Jorda Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical
Based on the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama & Melvin Frank Music & Lyrics by IRVING BERLIN
Book by DAVID IVES & PAUL BLAKE Music Direction by CYNTHIA MENG
Original Broadway Choreography by RANDY SKINNER Choreography Recreated by KRISTYN POPE Directed by MARK S. HOEBEE
(732) 718-0039
(609) 494-7272 ext: 1103 amolbert@zackshore.com www.longbeachislandlistings.com
The Short Hills Mall Santa’s Flight Academy
Capture the magic of the season at Santa’s Flight Academy, November 7- December 24. The one-of-a-kind, immersive Santa photo experience enables children to dance in Santa’s magic mirror, turn into elite cadets to help Santa power his sleigh, chart his course for delivering presents to children around the world and, see themselves drive the sleigh as the presents are delivered. The experience ends with a magical snowfall dance party inside Santa’s sleigh. Reservations recommended: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0035
EXCEPTIONAL
DENTISTRY BY SPECIALIZED DENTISTS
Dr. Azizian, DDS & Dr. Sallustio, DDS
Dr. Sallustio and Dr. Azizian practice a full scope of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry. With a focus on implants, crowns, bridges and porcelain veneers, Dr. Sallustio and Azizian help patients regain confidence in their smile. The doctors also provide life changing treatments includng same day All-on-4 implants and bridges, prosthetics for oral cancer, trauma and congenital defects including cleft lip and palate. Consider a consultation with Drs. Sallustio and Azizian to analyze your smile.
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ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY
You don't have to get on a train into New York City.
When Samuel Campbell opened The Thistle Paper Mill in Millburn in 1795, he never could have imagined that it would one day be a beloved place in the community and in the entire state to see Broadway-level shows.
“It’s the best of Broadway in your backyard,” says Cody Andrus, director of marketing and communications for Paper Mill Playhouse. “You don’t have to get on a train into New York City. You can come to Millburn and enjoy the lovely setting of the town and the restaurants along with a great show.”
The tickets are also much more affordable, which allows people from all walks of life to enjoy the arts. “The arts are important at any age, and as you get older, they give you the opportunity to escape day to day life for a few hours,” he says.
In addition to the plays, Paper Mill offers many classes and summer programs for people of all ages. “Even if you don’t go into this business, it gives you social skills and an appreciation for the world that we live in,” says Cody.
It’s also a great place to get into the holiday spirit. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical , based on the 1954 holiday film, is playing through the holidays. “What we’re doing here at Paper Mill is a complete experience where The F.M. Kirby Carriage House Restaurant will have a Christmas menu that’s based around the show, and the whole campus is going to be decorated with lights, snowflakes and Christmas decorations.”
You’ll be fully immersed in the Christmas spirit.
Adds Mark S. Hoebee, the director of White Christmas , “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this joyful musical to our stage for all families to enjoy. It has some of the best dancing you’ll ever see, and the infectious Irving Berlin
score has truly become a part of America’s holiday soundscape. We have an incredibly talented company of performers, ready to deliver a dynamite experience for everyone who visits Paper Mill Playhouse this December.”
Before the show opened, The Carriage House also hosted Christmas trivia and a murder mystery called Murder Under the Mistletoe. “We also had a Christmas piano bar with Christmas music, and holiday songs to sing along to.”
The restaurant will continue to offer other themed programming geared towards upcoming shows. The Playhouse offers five shows a year, usually lasting for four to five weeks each. The best way to see them all, or even a few of your favorites, is to get a subscription, which offers lower prices per ticket, a fixed seat, and the ability to exchange tickets if you can’t make a scheduled show.
There are still plenty of fantastic shows coming up. Mystic Pizza , based on the popular 80s movie with Julia Roberts, will open in January. It will be followed by the world premiere of Take the Lead , a brand new musical based on the true story of a former professional dancer who brought ballroom dance into New York City public schools. Closing out the season will be the unforgettable Disney’s The Little Mermaid .
From an actual paper mill to a power-packed playhouse, the building has gone through many changes over the years, and now more are coming. “In October, we kicked off a $43.7 million dollar capital campaign,” says Cody. Along with renovating the dressing rooms and offices, the Carriage House will be completely redesigned and expanded in order to fit more people and host more events.
“The summer after that we start a full renovation of the lobby spaces, so there will be a beautiful open lobby that looks out onto the courtyard, expanded bathrooms and more accessibility.”
Through state and city funds, generous board members and other donors, the playhouse has raised over $30 million so far, but there is still a long way to go.
They’re reaching out to other donors, subscribers, and single ticket buyers in order to complete the renovations in the next three years.
To get your tickets for a great show, make a reservation at the Carriage House, sign up for one of the events, and find out more about Paper Mill Playhouse’s capital campaign, go to PaperMill.org or call 973-376-4343.
Where Beautiful Hair
As always, we’re here to make this year’s holiday celebrations as delightful and delicious as possible for your entire family. So whether your party includes 2 guests or dozen, we’re ready to make it 100% unforgettable: Reserve now to celebrate your family and friends in La Pergola style! And we hope you and yours will be showered with good health, happiness and many blessings throughout the upcoming holidays and far beyond! Much love, Your La Pergola Family
INDULGE YOURSELF!
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY
A SALON THAT MAKES YOU LOOK GREAT AND FEEL GREAT
Glaze owners Cindi Galiher and Kathy Korab
ARTIST’S PALETTE | BEAUTY
When you walk into GLAZE Salon in Chatham, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a New York City salon. The luxurious atmosphere transports you into a sophisticated but welcoming space. Right away, you’ll be offered a cappuccino, tea, seltzer, or depending on the time of day, a mimosa or even a glass of wine.
For owners Cindi Galiher and Kathy Korab, their goals go way beyond offering high-end hair, nail, waxing and makeup services. “It’s all about ‘Relationship Before Task,’” explains Cindi. “These extras make people feel special.”
Taking time out to pamper ourselves is so important for our wellbeing. “When you walk through our door, it’s not about all those other things that you have to do that day,” she says. “It’s only about you, and what we can do to make you feel comfortable.”
There’s a strong connection between looking our best and feeling our best and not just during the holidays, but all year long.
Popular Sugarfina in branded gift box.
Beautiful glass diffusers and branded boxed candles.
Capillus Hair Growth Cap, holiday special, part of Glaze's hair stimulating products.
“People may walk in and they’re not happy with their hair, so we fix it, or they’re feeling a little sallow, and since we have a full line of cosmetics, we touch them up and make them feel a bit brighter. We try to help our clients in any way we can with any type of dilemma they have.”
Of course, everyone on staff has years of experience and specialties, and many of the stylists have been with GLAZE for a long time, but Cindi and Kathy are excited about the two new stylists and hair assistant they hired from a former Short Hills salon. And, the clients they brought along with them are enjoying the upgraded experience too.
Clients also love browsing the incredible gifts for both men and women that are on display, and everything can be gift wrapped. On November 23rd, the salon will be hosting a Sip & Shop holiday event from 9:00 to 6:00. It’s a fun way to experience GLAZE, and also get a free gift with a purchase.
“We have a case that looks like a phone, but it’s actually a phone charger and lighted magnifying mirror decorated with Swarovski® crystals,” says Cindi. “It’s such a unique gift.” Another new and innovating product, the Capillus Hair Growth Cap, is part of their hair stimulating products line and is available at a special price during the holidays.
If you can’t make the event, don’t worry. The products will be available for purchase throughout the holiday season.
Stop into GLAZE, have a latte and get to know the friendly and accommodating staff. GlazeSalon.com
Co-owner, Kathy Korab
On November 23rd, the salon will be hosting a Sip & Shop holiday event from 9:00 to 6:00. It’s a fun way to experience GLAZE, and also get a free gift with a purchase.
If you can’t make the event, don’t worry. The products will be available for purchase throughout the holiday season.
Phone charger and lighted magnifying mirror decorated with Swarovski® crystals.
Stylish neoprene bags, strong, light and washable.
Stunning large crystal diffuser in braded gift box makes a great holiday gift.
Dr. MaryAnn Pladdys Doctor of Audiology
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY & PROVIDED
Your Needs Catering to
Chef Lauren Covas, winner 2 Food Network challenges & owner of Chef Covas Catering
After winning two Food Network competitions, Chopped & Supermarket Stakeout, garnering other awards, and owning a couple of restaurants, Chef Lauren Covas is now a full-time in-demand caterer based in Long Branch. Regardless of location or cuisine, she brings parties to a whole other level.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO BECOME A CHEF?
I grew up in a very vibrant old school Portuguese family. I’m first generation and, as with a lot of European families, food is the centerpiece of our lives. My mom and my grandmother are my biggest inspirations. They were always in the kitchen, so that’s where I got my first taste of it. I found such peace in the kitchen, so it just built that momentum for my future.
HOW DO YOUR DISHES STAND OUT?
A lot of times food can taste wonderful, but the presentation isn’t so great. I love art and working with my hands, and as a chef, you need both of those skills. You eat with your eyes first.
Everything’s homemade, and I love taking real ingredients and using those in multiple ways. Something as simple as cooking down white beans for a sofrito, or pureeing them for a creamy component of a dish.
Also, for holiday dishes, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but you can spruce them up. Everyone’s going to have the traditional sides or the things that they love, but I give them a new little flair.
For example, we can put the butternut squash soup in little shooters and garnish with pomegranate seeds. Or take that baked brie, and make it with a little bit of fresh raspberry compote, using it as a dip for crostini.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING AN EVENT CATERED?
I take something off your plate and you get to enjoy your own party. We have full service as well as just delivery. We talk about what’s important to you before your event and I make sure that those notes are hit on.
I also give you tips and tricks. You don’t have to spend a fortune to do a great table setting. Use mason jars as your vessel for flowers to give it that rustic vibe, or place a piece of lace on your table as a runner.
Different accent pieces pull the table together and give you that all around total magazine feel. So, putting your appetizers on cake stands give that height difference on your table.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR COOKBOOK COMING OUT IN 2025.
Not Your Grandmother’s Table is a real homage to my grandmother and my mother and how I was raised. It also shows how I take the traditional dishes I grew up with and spruce them up for a more modern take.
IS YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED IN YOUR CAREER?
Yes, my husband Bill helps me with events when he’s not working, and my kids - Logan, who’s 14 and Gavin, who’s 11 - are both huge helps.
Check out @ChefLaurenCovas and schedule her for your own upcoming party!
Entry Doors
Roofing
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
Dr. Mark I. Khaimov, D.D.S.
At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
