PRIDELY - New Jersey Edition (North-Central-South)

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Heirloom Kitchen

Upscale, white-tiled New American kitchen with intimate chef’s-table dinners, plus cooking classes.

3853 County Rd 516, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Phone: (732) 727-9444| Web: heirloomkitchen.com

Casa d’Paco

Bustling hangout offering a weekly changing menu of Spanish tapas & desserts, plus a full bar.

73 Warwick St, Newark, NJ 07105

Phone: (862) 343-6300| Web: casadepaconj.com

Donkey’s Place

Down-home counter & bar joint featuring cheesesteaks on poppy seed buns & French fries.

1223 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103

Phone: (856) 966-2616 | Web: www.donkeysplacemenu.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

The Victor Pub

Numerous flat-screen TVs & bar food in a modern, airy space located in the Victor Luxury Lofts.

1 Market St, Camden, NJ

Rozmaryn

Traditional Polish cooking provided in a homey, old-fashioned space with a BYOB policy.

925 N Olden Ave, Trenton, NJ

Hobby’s Delicatessen

Old-school option since 1962 for classic Jewish daytime eats & dinner before Devils’ & Nets’ games.

32 Branford Pl #2723, Newark, NJ

Eden Korean

Korean staples such as bibimbap & chicken bulgogi plus Japanese sushi in a relaxed space.

1428 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill, NJ

Le Peep

Casual breakfast & lunch chain with a long menu of straightforward fare & coffee drinks.

561 US-1 #10e, Edison, NJ

Bistro at Cherry Hill

Counter-style American joint serving soups, sandwiches & more in casual digs with an open kitchen.

2000 NJ-38, Cherry Hill, NJ

ITA101

An authentic Italian restaurant serving a limited, rotating menu with fresh, local ingredients.

20 S Main St, Medford, NJ

Sunshine Grill

Modest restaurant offering classic eats, including sandwiches, burgers & hot dogs with fries.

821 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ

San Lucas

Family-owned choice serving traditional fare in a casual, vibrant dining room with a jukebox.

2600 Federal St, Camden, NJ

Ghost Truck Kitchen

Minimalist take-out & delivery outpost for eclectic bites with global flavors & vegan options.

356 Varick St, Jersey City, NJ

Mar 2

SolMar’s Seafood Festival

Sol Mar Restaurant is inviting you to embark on a gastronomic journey to Portugal. The SolMar Seafood Festival is a celebration of the recognition of the best seafood restaurant in New Jersey. Complete details at patch.com.

Apr 16

90-Second Newbery Film Festival

The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery awardwinning books in about 90 seconds. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

May 6

Central NJ Empanada Fest

We’ll be highlighting local gourmet food vendors and their unique twists on empanadas as well as many other food trucks serving BBQ, all American, Asian and more! In addition to all the food, you can also expect live music from Naughty Humphry and Grand Theft Audio, Fun activities for kids and adults include Bungee Trampoline, Bounce house, Air soft shooting gallery, face painter, henna tattoo, and sand art! Learn more at allevents.in.

May 7

Vet Fest Music & Food Truck Festival

4th Annual Vet Fest food truck and music festival. Join us to support veterans and veterans families in New Jersey. All proceeds benefit Community Hope’s Hope for Veterans program. Visit northjerseychamber.org.

Jun 3

Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival

Thousands of people enjoying the large choice of hundreds of different beers produced by more than 900 quality breweries. The unique atmosphere of the music and beer promise joy and fun with the activities like various food stands, sales of homemade crafts, live music shows, entertainment shows, gaming machines and lots of beer. Learn more at carnifest.com.

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control

weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

Jun 8-9

Haddon Township Pride

Join the PRIDE Parade and festivities in celebration and support of its LGBTQIA+ community. With a June 9th PRIDE Parade kicking off the festivities, HTEI and Haddon Township created multiple events throughout the week to create connection, show support and share resources. More info at www.htpride.com.

Jun 10

Montclair Pride Festival & Stages

Let’s show the members of our LGBTQIA+ community how vital they are. Montclair will feature stages on Bloomfield Avenue and Park Street with allday music, comedy and other performances by local talent as well as remarks on LGBTQ+ equality. Details at outmontclair.org.

Jul 15

Cherry Hill Mall Food Truck Festival

Come enjoy Music, Carnival Games, Face painting, Vendors, and Raffle prizes. Bring your chairs and relax while listening to music and enjoying a wonderful selection of foods from around the globe. Free admission! Visit allevents.in.

Aug 5

Manahopkin Craft Beer & Music Fest

Live music all day. Dozens of breweries and food trucks. Craft vendors and activities throughout. Bring your friends, family and lawn chairs to Manahawkin Lake this summer in support of the Stafford PBA Holiday Toy Drive. Two tasting sessions: 12:00pm-4:00pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm. Details and tickets available at oceancountytourism.com.

Aug 18-20

Horror Con and Film Festival

Our goal is for fans to see amazing Horror films in the indie scene and also an opportunity to mingle with big names in horror. Horror fans can also

participate in Q&A sessions, see the amazing vendors from around the Horror scene and watch the best indie films around. The event will include over 20 well known celebrities, many Indie Horror films, Film Awards, Exclusive Q and A panels, 100 vendors, Cosplay, Trivia Contest, Photo Ops and more! Details at www.facebook.com/njhorrorcon.

Aug 26

Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show

Artists Crafters Vendors Food Rides Live Music & more. Free admission for Spectators. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Sep 10-12

New Jersey Pride 2023

We invite you to New Jersey’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allies PRIDE celebration! Come out and be surrounded by family and friends unite. Bring your blankets, chairs and tables. Visit pinkuk.com.

Oct 8-9

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a fun-filled, family event that takes place in early October in the West Village of Ridgewood. This 2 day event is enjoyed by both children and parents alike. The main attraction is a tractor-drawn hayride that takes its passengers for a ride up to The Heights which includes a spectacular view of NYC. Pumpkin painting, a scarecrow making contest, a tent of vendors, toss games, sidewalk chalking, ice cream, and a full weekend of music round out this event. Details at www.ridgewoodguild.com.

Nov 11

New Jersey Vegan Food Festival presented

The New Jersey Vegan Food Festival features amazingly delicious vegan food from local makers, bakers and creators! A two-day celebration that features yummy vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, as well as vegan products, plant-based fashion, live music and good times. All welcome! Learn more at allevents.in.

NEWARK LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER

The Newark LGBTQ Community Center is a volunteer-run, community-based organization committed to providing safe space, programs, and services that support the well-being of the LGBTQ community and our allies in the Newark, New Jersey area. Phone: (973) 424-9555 | Web: www.newarklgbtqcenter.org

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY LGBTQA PRIDE

For more than 14 years, Southern New Jersey LGBTQA Pride has devoted its energy to passionately advocating for the bullied, hungry, needy and politically under-represented members of our Cherry Hill and surrounding areas. Phone: (856) 248-0332 | Web: jerseygaypride.com

GARDEN STATE EQUALITY

Our mission is to provide quality, innovative community programs, educate and train service providers, and pass pro-equality policies to protect and meet the needs of LGBTQ New Jerseyans. Web: www.gardenstateequality.org

GABLES OF CAPE MAY COUNTY

GABLES hopes to earn the privilege of serving as the representative voice of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community of Cape May County and southern New Jersey. Phone: 609.861.1848 | Web: gablescapemay.com

NORTH JERSEY PRIDE

North Jersey Pride’s mission is to promote equality, celebrate family and support LGBTQ youth through fun and educational events. We invite our allies to join us as full partners in the mission to make the world safer for all our children. Web: www. northjerseypride.org

HUDSON PRIDE CENTER

We’re the largest LGBTQ+ social services center in New Jersey, and we offer a variety of free services to support, affirm and connect our community to each other and to the services they need. Phone: (201) 963-4779 | Web: hudsonpride.org

EVENTS

Nov 25

Winterfest

Music, ice sculptures, and, storytelling with one of our Guild elves. Always complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes! Even Santa is on board to welcome all the children. Grab a picture with Santa at Winterfest! Details at www.ridgewoodguild.com.

Dec 29

Annual Christmas Light Drive - Thru

Celebrate the traditions and true meaning of Christmas with your loved ones from the comfort of your vehicle. Stone Gables Estate invites you to experience a spectacular 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru which features over 800,000+ brilliant LED lights. Visit allevents.in.

Jan TBD

Let It Glow

It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo. Details at eventbrite.com.

Feb TBD

Valentine’s Craft Fair

Just in time for the most romantic day of the year. Stop in at the Valentine’s Craft Fair and treat a loved one or yourself to something unique and special. Buy local and support small businesses while supporting a great cause, Relay for Life of Old Bridge. Admission is free. Enjoy food and refreshments, crafts and activities, shopping, door prizes, a photo booth, and more. Visit allevents.in.