Northern New Jersey 5

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

In life there are constant changes, so too in the world of interior design. Trends are always shifting. The themes for 2023 seem to be: Sustainable living and health & wellness designs. There has been a move away from minimalism to individualism which has created more personalized and decorative styles. In this new, post-Covid world, there have been many changes to the way we live, both inside and outside of the home. Many of us spend much more time in the house, so people have adjusted their priorities in the way the home is used.

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Kitchens are central to this new lifestyle and the open kitchen is an important aspect of this new trend. Most desirable are large islands that seat the family comfortably and provide lots of workspace. Upper and lower cabinets of different colors are in fashion as are stainless steel cabinetry and fixtures. To update a kitchen, a coat of paint can completely change the feel and be extremely cost effective. Lighting is also a key component, particularly if natural light is not available. A growing number of homeowners are installing led lights underneath their cabinets to illuminate the kitchen counter top.

With so many people still working at home, a designated office is often a necessity and needs to be incorporated into the design of your home. First of all, it should be comfortable and functional. It is desirable to have natural light and natural materials wherever possible. Try colors that are inspired by nature for a calming environment. For a more dramatic approach, an interesting background wall color can be useful for

With a new focus on wellness and healthy living, more attention is paid to comfort and overall well-being. (.

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all of your zoom meetings.

Furnishings will feel more organic with the use of cotton, wool, and velvet fabrics. Of course fabric decisions can depend on the location within the home; it’s recommended that the home match its natural environment. There is still a movement toward coordinating the indoor and outdoor environments. Arches and architectural details are in as are soft edges, curved sofas, and personal pieces.

Multi-function rooms that cater to entertainment and exercise are in vogue. More people will want media rooms for movies and games as well as gyms and saunas.

Mud rooms and laundry rooms are no longer just utilitarian spaces. Today, homeowners want these spaces to coordinate with the rest of the home. Sometimes they even want to accommodate a pet with a special tub. Think about maximizing natural light throughout your home. Big open

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The focus of home design in 2023 is a calm, comfortable environment in harmony with nature that incorporates work, entertainment and relaxation spaces.

windows which bring in natural light can improve mood, focus and sleep patterns which will improve one’s health.

It looks like 2023 may bring with it the end of the white wall trend. Currently, designers are reporting

clients wanting jewel tones in blues, greens and even rust, which creates a cozier environment. This is part of the eco-friendly trend of the last few years which incorporates elements of nature. Gold will also be popular as an accent color.

It is important to revisit one’s estate planning periodically, as both circumstances and laws can change without notice. If you do not have an estate plan, it is time to create one. You probably have more assets than you think.

First of all, estate planning is an opportunity to designate who will receive your assets upon death or incapacitation. It will also allow you to designate a guardian for your children. With the advice of counsel, your plan will manage assets to minimize estate

taxes, gift taxes and any other tax issues. And most importantly, a good estate plan will avoid disagreements between heirs and probate which can be time consuming and expensive.

Begin with an assessment of all your assets, including your home and other real estate, art, collections, vehicles, and jewelry. List your checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, IRA or 401 accounts and ownership interests in any businesses. Estimate the value in order to divide among your heirs.

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SEVERAL DOCUMENTS:

A COMPLETE ESTATE PLAN INCLUDES

POWER OF ATTORNEY

A durable power of attorney allows a person of your choosing to handle financial, legal and other matters if you are otherwise incapacitated. It remains in effect until death or revocation.

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

A revocable living trust is an instrument that allows the owner (grantor) of assets to establish a trust for beneficiaries with the help of a trustee. You can be your own trustee with an alternate upon death or incapacity. This document can be amended or revoked as needed. The most important aspect of a consuming and expensive probate.

MEDICAL CARE DIRECTIVE

A living will specifies your wishes for medical care. A medical power of attorney gives authority to a trusted person to make decisions if you are unable.

WILL

A will, though desirable, is not essential if you have a revocable trust. The main reason to write a will is to include assets which may not be included in one’s trust. A will is meant to simplify things. You can designate child custody and also the recipients of your most valuable possession, such as cars, jewelry or other personal items.

COUNTRY CLUB

Weddings

Looking for an elegant and classic wedding venue to celebrate your big day? Country clubs are ideal for a variety of reasons.

Here are some reasons why country club wedding venues are among our favorites.

IT’S A CLASSIC VENUE.

A country club wedding has long been a time-honored tradition for couples with family ties to a members-only venue. Childhood memories of playing tennis or learning to expertly hit 18 holes can add sentimental meaning to a country club wedding. A country club also provides a familiar, picturesque venue. Expansive green spaces pair up with a stately ballroom to offer a magazine-worthy setting for a large indoor-outdoor wedding. Not a member of a nearby club? Some clubs are open to the public for

events, while some private clubs will allow non-member weddings if the couple is “sponsored” by a member—meaning you just have to know someone who can connect you with the club’s in-house wedding planner.

IT OFFERS A ONE-STOP-SHOP.

Like a hotel, a country club often has many wedding services on-site. Catering, flowers, linen rentals and even the wedding planner may all be available for one package price that can reduce planning time and stress. All you have to do is worry about finding the perfect country club-appropriate wedding attire for you and your wedding party.

IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE A RAIN BACKUP PLAN.

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting married in an outdoor ceremony—but then the skies open up right before you walk down the outdoor aisle. A country club offers the peace of mind of a rain plan with multiple ballrooms, dining rooms and other suitable indoor venues that can work as a stand-by on your big day.

IT CAN ACCOMMODATE MANY SIZES OF WEDDINGS.

Those aforementioned outdoor spaces, ballrooms and dining rooms also mean a country club can accommodate a variety of wedding sizes. Want an intimate wedding for 20? That gazebo in the formal gardens might make a great place for your I Do’s. Is a wedding for 250 of your friends and family more your style? Many country clubs can host very large weddings in their wow-worthy ballrooms, too.

TWO WORDS: LAWN GAMES

Those green spaces can do a lot more than hold chairs for your wedding ceremony. The large swaths of grass at a country club are a great space to entertain your guests with classic games like croquet, boccie ball and corn hole. And don’t let the golf course go to waste! A round of golf for your guests should definitely be in order at some point during the wedding weekend.

Bianco, Katie (2017, March 8). 5 Reasons to Get Married ... at a Country Club [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/5-reasons-to-get-married-at-a-country-club

2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

JUN 22 - 25, 2023

JUN 29 - JUL 2, 2023

JUL 6 - 9, 2023

JUL 13 - 16, 2023

JUL 13 - 16, 2023

JUL 20 - 23, 2023

JUL 20 - 23, 2023

JUL 27 - 30, 2023

AUG 3 - 6, 2023

AUG 10 - 13, 2023

AUG 17 - 20, 2023

AUG 24 - 27, 2023

Travelers Championship TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT

Rocket Mortgage Classic. Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, MI

John Deere Classic PC Deere Run, Silvis, IL

Barbasol Championship Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Course), Nicholasville, KY

Genesis Scottish Open The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, SCO

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, CA

The Open Championship Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Wirral, ENG

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, MN

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, NC

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN

BMW Championship Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course), Olympia Fields, IL

Schauffele $1,494,000

Finau $1,512,000

Posto $1,278,000

Mullinax $666,000

Schauffele $1,400,000

Reavie $666,000

Smith $2,500,000

Finau $1,350,000

Kim $1,314,000

Zalatoris $2,700,000

Cantlay

Cantlay

Rory NORTHERN NEW JERSEY | VOL. 5

McIlroy

2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MARCH

MARCH 24 - 25 | FILM FESTIVAL

New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival features amazing celebrities, amazing horror films and vendors from around the horror world. Additionally, there will be Q & A sessions, vendors, and more!For more info visit:

newjerseyhorrorcon.com

APRIL

APRIL 1 - 30 | TULIP FESTIVAL

Holland Ridge Farms is a family-owned flower grower and flower farm in New Jersey. Our U-Pick Tulip season opens when the millions of bulbs we planted in the fall burst into bloom. Rows and rows of colorful tulips as far as the eye can see! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3iYfOl8

APRIL 1- 16 | CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Come enjoy the second largest Cherry Blossom display in the United States. These blossoms peak in the second and third

weeks of April. There are over 3,000 cherry trees. The blossoms can be best enjoyed by a casual walk or picnic in the park. This is a week long festival with many events including a 10K race, trolley bus tours, and family Day with Japanese cultural activities, including demonstrations on origami, bonsai, ikebana, and martial arts. For more info visit: https:// tinyurl.com/2p8jje9u

MAY

MAY 17 - 21 | MINERAL, FOSSIL, GEM & JEWELRY SHOW

Our family-friendly event caters to intermediate and advanced collectors while doing its utmost to create and encourage tomorrow’s collectors. Featuring fine mineral specimens, fossils, dinosaurs, meteorites, gemstones, artisan jewelry, gold, silver, crystals, metaphysical, interior decor, , and so much, MUCH more! We now welcome vendors of all sciences and history to our show and our special exhibits will reflect this wider focus — but at its heart, this will always be

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

a mineral, fossil, gem, and jewelry event. For more info visit: nj.show

popcorn and enjoy! For more info visit: njfilmfest.com

MAY 20 - 21 | RENAISSANCE FAIRE

New Jersey Renaissance Faire features music, dance, comedy, living history, stunts, various acts, demonstrations, vendors, food and drinks, and more. Browse through our enchanted crafts village where over one hundred merchants and artisans demonstrate and sell their wares. Get transported back in time! For more info visit: njrenfaire.com

JUNE

JUNE

2 - 11 | FILM FESTIVAL

We will showcase the best in independent film by featuring premiere screenings, special guest appearances by film directors, screenwriters, cast and crew and more. All the works that are a part of the New Jersey Film Festival were selected by a panel of judges. We ensure top quality for your viewing pleasure, so grab some

JUNE 9 - 11 | AIR SHOW

The greatest Air Show in the Northeast, that brings in many of the world’s top aerobatic performers! There will be aerobatic performances, air shows, static displays, entertainment, historical displays, car shows, night shows, ground exhibits, food vendors, and more. For more info visit: greenwoodlakeairshow.com

JULY

JULY 8 - 9

| MAPLEWOODSTOCK

A two day family festival celebrating community music and art. The event features local music from more than 20 performers and arts put on by friends and neighbors of Maplewood. The event also includes art, collectibles, crafts, clothes, provided by local artists and merchants, food from many local food vendors. For more info visit: maplewoodstock.com

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(.

JULY 15 - 28 | RESTAURANT WEEK

Discover deliciously prepared meals from a host of restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines all over Jersey City—from Greenville to Grove Street. For more info visit: jcrestaurantweek.com

AUG 4 - 12 | STATE FARE

The New Jersey State Fair includes 4-H shows and exhibits, horse shows, carnival, performing art, family entertainment, demo derby, exhibits, food, and more. This is a great way to enjoy the summer with your family! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2L3Yv5A

JULY 28 - 30 | FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No! It’s a balloon! The family friendly festival will feature mass ascensions, balloon rides, sunrise yoga, non-stop family entertainment, headlining concerts, crafters, vendors, balloon glow, food, fireworks, and much more. Experience a weekend of family friendly fun! For more info visit: balloonfestival.com

AUGUST

AUG 5 - 7 | CLAM FESTIVAL

This three-day festival will feature seafood and other dishes from local restaurants, live entertainment, children’s activities and specialty vendors. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/muc9375r

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 23 | WATER LANTERN FEST

As the sun begins to set on the evening sky, the Water Lantern Festival begins to shine with the launch of the lanterns onto the water as we Light The Water together. Watch your unique lantern drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection. It’s a night that you’ll never forget. For more info visit: waterlanternfestival.com

SEPT 30 | CHOWDER FEST

Chowderfest Weekend has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to say

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

goodbye to summer and welcome the fall. There will be a lot of events this year including a Chowderfest Playlist for in-home or on route listening, restaurants serving up dine and take home options as well as an online voting component, Chowder Virtual Run, social media and pop up surprises. For more info visit: chowderfest.com

OCTOBER

OCT 1 | HONEY AND GARLIC FEST

This family festival is a celebration of agritourism, ecotourism and arts & heritage tourism. The Festival will include local artisans, crafters and vendors plus displays highlighting northern New Jersey’s great open spaces and natural history. For kids there’ll be a hay ride, pumpkin painting, face painting and crafts. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4rbcerhu

great food! For more info visit: streetfairs.org

NOVEMBER

NOV 4 - 5 | BACON FEST

Join us for the Bacon Fest Experience! We have live music and your favorite craft beer and of course bacon. We have bacon-themed cocktails, craft beer and your favorite bacon specialties from one of our many food vendors. This will be a weekend you will not forget! For more info visit: pabaconfest.com

NOV 24 - 26 | DICKENS DAY

OCT 8 | FAIR & CRAFT SHOW

Come on down for a day of family fun with original & interesting Arts & Crafts, shopping, kid’s rides and

This annual festival transforms the historic town into a Victorian Christmas wonderland! Dickens’ Days features beautiful decorations, horse and carriage rides, carolers roaming the streets, Father Christmas walking by to say hello, and so much more – you won’t want to miss it!For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ycyzww67

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 30 | HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW

This year’s holiday light show you won’t want to miss! Experience a light show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit! For more info visit:

https://bit.ly/3e8mmNH

DEC 1 - 3 | GERMAN MARKET

The purpose of this event is and will remain consistent: To provide our community with a joyous event celebrating the beginning of the Holiday Season while recognizing and giving back to those in need in our community. So enjoy a great day of supporting the community in this German Christmas Market! For more info visit: germanchristmasmarketnj.com

JANUARY

JAN TBA | FILM FESTIVAL

The West Orange Classic Film Festival provides lovers of cinema a chance to experience their favorite films as they were meant to be seen— on the big screen. For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/3dvx7fh6

FEBRUARY

FEB TBA | HOME & GARDEN SHOW

New Jersey’s premier home & garden event features over 200 exhibitors with the area’s top services & products. Attend expert presentations, meet kitchen and bath designers, improve your home’s curb appeal, find outdoor furniture for spring, shop home decor, attend a painting class, enjoy the kid’s activity area and more! For more info visit:

newjerseyhomeshow.com

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SESSION DATE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TIMEFEATURED MATCHES

1Mon,January16,202311:00amMen'sandWomen's1stRound

2Mon,January16,20237:00pmMen'sandWomen's1stRound

3Tue,January17,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s1stRound

4Tue,January17,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s1stRound

5Wed,January18,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

6Wed,January18,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

7Thu,January19,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

8Thu,January19,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound

9Fri,January20,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

10Fri,January20,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

11Sat,January21,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

12Sat,January21,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound

13Sun,January22,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

14Sun,January22,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

15Mon,January23,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

16Mon,January23,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s4thRound

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

- TRAVEL TO -

If you haven’t been to Africa and are looking for an amazing experience, consider a safari. The only question is where to start, as there are many African countries with amazing national parks and various wildlife, all of which can provide a once-in-alifetime vacation. The top countries for safaris are Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

MASAI MARA

JUNE - OCTOBER

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous. It is known for its herds of plains’ game which include Masai lions, African leopards and Tanzanian cheetahs. The park is also home to the annual migration of zebra, gazelle and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

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LAKE NAKURU ANYTIME

Lake Nakuru National Park is known for pink flamingos flocking along the shore of the lake. Also notable are the park’s white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches and lions.

AMBOSELI

JUNE & OCTOBER

Amboseli National Park is best known for its view of Mount Kilimanjaro and over 300 species of birds. You will also see zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, jackals, giraffes and leopards.

TSAVO

MAY - OCTOBER

Tsavo National Park, which is made up of two smaller parks, is the largest in Kenya and also the most remote. Famous for elephants playing in the Galana River, you will also find 500 species of birds and also giraffes, gazelles, lions, antelopes, impalas, hyenas and oryx.

Samburu Game Reserve is known for rare species such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the Beisa Oryx. It is also home to around 900 elephants as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs and over 450 bird species. It is also famous for Kamunyak, the lioness that adopted 6 baby oryx.

Tanzania

There are 22 national parks in Tanzania, making it difficult to decide where to go. Serengeti, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, and Ngorongoro are the largest and most popular destinations and are often toured together along with Lake Manyara National Park. You will spot the big five mammals - buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards and lions as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos and 500 species of birds on your nature walk, game drive, or in a hot air balloon.

LAKE MANYARA

JUNE - OCTOBER

Lake Manyara Park was established to protect large herds of elephants and is also famous for tree-climbing lions. With its beautiful setting on the lake, it is perfect for viewing pink flamingos and over 400 species of birds.

NGORONGORO

APRIL - MAY

The Ngorongoro Conservation Centre (world heritage site) is known for the Crater which was formed when an ancient volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, creating vast plains that attracted wild life. The big five can be viewed here as well as black rhino. The Massai tribe still grazes their livestock here. Also, the Olduval Gorge is found here. This is where the Leakeys, in 1959, discovered evidence of human origins, fossilized bones, and stone tools dating back millions of years.

TRENDS FOR 2023 Health Food

Rarely do we think about what is trending in the world of food and drink, but there are organizations that study this issue constantly, including Whole Foods, Innova Market Insights and even Martha Stewart herself. The current trend seems to be towards a focus on healthier eating due to an interest in sustainable agriculture, climate change and possibly as a result of correcting those bad habits acquired during Covid lock down.

In the drink space, mocktails, or virgin cocktails, have become more and more popular for health reasons, even spawning a number of new establishments devoted exclusively to alcohol-free night life. This trend expands well beyond Shirley Temples and there is an emphasis on alcohol free cosmopolitans, margaritas, mojitos

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and other more original creative drinks. As an example, Whole Foods points to yaupon, a caffeinated plant, to be brewed for tea and also used in new mocktail creations. Also growing in popularity are milk substitutes like oat, soy, almond, and even potato. They are typically lower in fat, sugar and are also cholesterol free.

In the world of foods, there has been significant and growing interest in nutrition and sustainability. We will be interested in more natural less processed foods as well as more traditional ethnic menus. Plant based foods will be a growth area as the number of vegans has increased significantly and most of us have cut down on meat consumption for health and environmental concerns. We will want more locally produced ingredients due to interest in climate change. There is actually a new word for this - glocal. Think global and eat local!

Plant based pasta made from chickpeas, cauliflower and zucchini are already popular but new ones made from hearts of palm and green

bananas are coming. And of course there is spaghetti squash which is the true vegetable pasta. Plant based meats have been available for quite some time but expect to see more plant based chicken and cheese.

Interestingly, mushrooms are of particular interest as they are actually a super-food and contain so many necessary nutrients such as vitamins B and D, potassium, and antioxidants that can reduce signs of aging. With over 400 species, there is always a new one to try and the latest trend is toward oyster and trumpet mushrooms. What makes mushrooms such a versatile substitute is they are naturally chewy, crisp up when cooked, and absorb a variety of sauces. Don’t forget the portobello, which is a great meat replacement or even king oyster mushrooms as a replacement for scallops.

Not many people stumble into financial security through sheer luck: a lottery win, big inheritance, or huge stock winnings.

For most of us the only way to financial security is a long term plan of saving and investing.

Consistency is key to reaching long term goals no matter your income. The sooner you start saving and investing, the longer your money has to compound and grow.

Set goals for how much of your income you will invest monthly and stick to it. Keep investment money and cash reserves separate so you won’t dip into your investment account when the market is down. Keep expenses low and spend on what is really important to you whether it is experiences or material things.

Try to avoid the big mistakes, like buying a home that is more than you really need or creating a heavy debt load.

If your employer offers a matching 401(k) contribution, be sure to take advantage of that option

and contribute at least enough to receive it. It is essentially extra income that will grow and compound and is not taxed until you withdraw it.

You can do it yourself but it probably makes more sense to work with a financial advisor who is more knowledgeable about financial markets. An advisor will help analyze short term vs long term needs, separate emotions from objectives as well as help with devising a portfolio and strategy suitable for your needs.

Investing consistently over the long term is the best way to grow your wealth as there is no way to time the market.