Push aside the corn beef and cabbage for these delicious green smoothies to celebrate St. Patrick‘s Day and healthy living
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Certified health coach and busy mom Laura Deutsch knows that developing good eating habits takes more than just the luck of the Irish. But thanks to her online resource Instill Health, it just got a whole lot easier to maintain optimal health and wellness for you and your family. Through Instill Health, Laura offers online programs, one-on-one coaching and speaking engagements, along with a blog, and a recipe booklet. Lucky for us, Deutsch decided to share some of her tips and tricks on how to drink your way to a healthier lifestyle starting this St. Patrick’s Day. more
This St. Patrick’s Day, let the luck of the Irish influence your fashion and decor selections. Simply click on the images seen below to purchase.
The co-owners of Mommybites tell us the things that make them tick as both business women and moms.
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Mommybites is the mecca for everything mom-related. Whether you’re looking for a prenatal yoga class in your neighborhood, a tofu veggie bowl recipe, or a sleep solution for your toddler, Mommybites has you covered. In addition to an online community for moms, Mommybites offers free tele-classes, e-articles, one-on-one phone or Skype sessions with parenting experts, a nanny directory, coupon codes, giveaways, and more. (We weren’t exaggerating about the whole mommy mecca thing.) more
Friday, March 11
10AM-9:30PM Meet the Easter Bunny at Paramus Park Mall in Paramus, NJ (through March 26)
4PM Meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar at The Curious Reader in Glen Rock, NJ.
7PM The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Legends at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. more
Shop unique products for your favorite pooch. more
Photo Credit: Realf Schermer
The natural beauty of Flat Rock Brook Nature Center now until April 26, 2016
Bergen Performing Arts Center located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey presents “A Walk in the Woods.” The photographic exhibit “A Walk in the Woods,” is a celebration of the natural world and is an effort to showcase the beauty of Flat Rock Brook Nature Center located in Englewood, New Jersey. The Exhibition is in residence at The Intermezzo Gallery on the 2nd floor of the bergenPAC now until March 26, 2016. The gallery is open to the general public during box office hours Mon-Fri 11AM – 4PM and Saturday 12PM to 4PM. more
From home decor to clothing, shop the hottest accessories for that special guy in your life. more
Interview by Kendra Broomer
Photography by Kay English Photography
Mary Bradley Events offers event coordination for weddings, parties, and corporate functions throughout the United States, as well as destination locales. Mary offers a bevy of à la carte services, so that clients can relax, celebrate, and enjoy on their special day. With Bradley’s background in interior design and 20 years of event planning experience, she is the perfect candidate to ensure that clients remember their wedding day as “the best day of their lives.” more
Photo Credit: Stone Barns Center
Monday, February 29
3:30PM Open Bounce at Bounce U in Paramus, Where Birthdays Come to Life! www.bounceu.com
6-8:30PM Ladies Night at Pinot’s Palette in Ridgewood. www.pinotspalette.com
Tuesday, March 1
4:15PM Join Mahwah Public Library for a 4-week Young Builders Lego Club for kids ages 4 to 6. Each week participants will create and expand upon their building projects. www.mahwahlibrary.org more
Urban Agenda Magazine is continuing the Oscar celebration with a selection of dazzling gold products.
The Oscar gold was spread around last night with Spotlight winning Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay; Leonardo DiCaprio taking home Best Actor for The Revenant; Mark Rylance and Alicia Vikander were named best supporting actor and actress, respectively, she for The Danish Girl; and Brie Larson took the best actress prize for Room.
Shop Gold! Simply click on each product image to purchase. more
Celebrate Pancake Week at one of Jersey’s Premiere Breakfast Places
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Breakfast, lunch, and brunch hotspot toast doesn’t mess around when it comes to pancakes. While this comfy restaurant has been recognized for its French toast, eggs, salads, and wraps, toast’s pancakes really draw the crowds. It’s not uncommon to see people eagerly waiting for a seat at 700 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, or toast’s second location at 516 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, for a chance to indulge in some morning (or early afternoon) flapjacks. Toast offers unique pancake options like Bacon Buttermilk, Carrot Cake, and Red Velvet, but it’s owner Amy Russo’s devotion to the food that really sets them apart. After all, Russo’s personal mantra is “Peace, Love, Pancakes." more
The 88th Annual Academy Awards takes place this Sunday, February 28, 2016. The awards ceremony was first broadcast to radio in 1930 and televised in 1953. It is now seen live in more than 200 countries. This year's ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre is Los Angeles and is hosted by comedian Chris Rock. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a statuette, officially called the Academy Award of Merit, which has become commonly known by its nickname, Oscar.
As an ode to the prestigious ceremony, Urban Agenda Magazine has selected a series of unique products inspired by the nominees. To purchase, click on each product image.
Break a leg! more
Celebrate man's best friend.
Urban Agenda Magazine has hand-selected our favorite gifts for dog lovers. Check out the many Scottish terrier, French bulldog, and Labrador Retriever motifs in the form of clothing, accessories, and home decor. Simply click on each product image to purchase!
This time of year calls for something different to change-up the routine. Why not dash off to a warm weather getaway to indulge in some yoga, fine dining, and relaxation? Below, Urban Agenda offers up some suggestions. Simply click on each product image to purchase. Bon voyage!
Now is the time to place your Valentine’s Day order at our favorite Weekhawken bakery.
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and Jennifer Bunce, the Head Pastry Chef and owner of the The Hudson Cakery in Weekhawken, has you covered. From cake pops and cookies to French macaroons, cupcakes, and cakes – she’s got it all! Pre-order your sweets by Thursday, February 11 at 5 p.m. by calling 201.319.0363 or emailing info@hudsoncakery.com. They will be open Sunday the 14 from 10 to 12 p.m. Preview more of the treats The Hudson Cakery has to offer below: more
Photo Courtesy of diaz – schloss communications
Ring in the Chinese New Year with some “lucky dishes” from this critically acclaimed Szechuan restaurant in Wayne, NJ.
Cheng Du 23 in Wayne, New Jersey has stolen the hearts of Chinese food lovers with their authentic Szechuan cuisine. Owned and operated by chef-trained Kevin Lin, Cheng Du 23 moves far beyond General Tso’s Chicken, and presents its patrons with exciting dishes like Dry Sautéed Sliced Intestines and Ants Climbing a Tree (which is actually cellophane noodles with minced pork). Recognized as one of the top Regional Chinese Restaurants and highly reviewed by The NY Times and New Jersey Monthly, it’s clear that Cheng Du 23 even manages to make intestines delectable. more
Looking for the best places to watch Super Bowl 50 in Northern NJ? Urban Agenda knows the winning spots.
Photo Credit: @foooodieee
Make your day a little “butter” with these mouth-watering Instagram shots of our favorite French pastry
New Jersey's First Pressed Juicery
Fresh, cold pressed juices will now be available at a mall near you thanks to Pressed Juicery. The company offers over 7 varieties of green juice, along with root vegetable, citrus, fruit, coconut water, and coffee based drinks. Addicted, yet? Pressed Juicery will deliver right to your home for a flat monthly fee. They can also recommend customizable cleanses that will suit your specific goals and caloric needs. more
Snowed in?
Send the one you love something sweet for Valentine’s Day! From the perfect cup of coffee to a festive box of Cadbury chocolates, these gourmet delights and comforting gifts are sure to warm the heart. Simply click on each product image to purchase. more
Image courtesy of www.carmelroad.com
Learn how this Hollywood royalty created her own line of expressive wines
By Taylor Smith
Drew Barrymore might be described as a “life enthusiast.” The famous actress balances being a wife, mother of two, filmmaker, author, bosswoman (in the best sense of the word), and beauty mogul with her new passion - wine. As she puts it, “memories are made around the table.”
A fan of fruity white wines, Drew has entered into a collaboration with Carmel Road, a family-owned company that has deep roots in California. Carmel Road focuses on expressive wines with unique personalities, and they bring that same spirit to Barrymore Pinot Grigio. Carmel Road Winemaker Kris Kato worked closely with Drew to create a unique flavor profile that is winning rave reviews amongst wine enthusiasts. The 2013 Barrymore by Carmel Road Pinot Grigio is bright and crisp with flavors of lemon drop, Asian pear, and honeydew melon. The wine pairs well with a multitude of food, from gnocchi to Caprese salad. more
Friday, December 11
3:30PM Reindeer Crafts at Lyndhurst Library in Lyndhurst, NJ. http://www.lyndhurstlibrary.org
7PM Kids Decorating Class: Holiday Gingerbread Houses at Chef Central in Paramus, NJ. http://bit.ly/1TDr81O
7PM NJ Devils vs. the Detroit Red Wings at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. www.prucenter.com
7PM Champagne & Candlelight at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. http://thehermitage.org
8PM Molly Ringwald Visits the Club at NJPAC in Newark, NJ. http://www.njpac.org more
Lori Sims of Woodland Bakery in Chatham, New Jersey makes sure you stay merry and bright during holiday baking this year
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but when it comes time to turn out the holiday baked goods, even the jolliest of bakers can turn into the Grinch. Between the gift giving, hectic schedules, and endless expenses that come with the holidays, the fun can quickly be sucked out of baking. This likely results in lopsided cakes, failed pies, and sad-looking sugar cookies. That is until massage therapist turned professional baker Lori Sims swoops in to save you - and your cookies – from the stresses of holiday baking.
Since 2014, Sims has owned and operated Woodland Bakery in Chatham, New Jersey. A self-taught baker, Sims learned everything she could about running a commercial bakery before rolling up her sleeves and diving right in – into the holiday season no less. We figured that if Sims managed to take over an entire bakery in the thick of the holiday season, then she’d be an expert on getting the average baker through it too. Below, Sims shares five secrets for seamless baking this the holiday season. more
Images courtesy of diaz * schloss communications
7 Park Street, Montclair, NJ
973.744.6764
You may not speak Portuguese, but with a single taste of Samba Montclair’s Moqueca de Peixi, you’ll fully understand the richness of Brazilian cuisine. The entrée features mahi mahi and shrimp with fresh herbs, coconut milk, cilantro, tomatoes, and “Dende” palm oil served with yucca flour puree. The plate is complete with a delicious, but somewhat mystifying cheese known as requeijao, a light, creamy cow-milk derived cheese popular in Brazil. In English-speaking countries the cheese is also referred to as requeson, the Spanish word for ricotta. Finish the Moqueca de Peixi off with Samba’s Bolo de Chocolate or Brazilian chocolate cake with coconut ice cream for a night of culinary excellence. more
Thanksgiving is upon us and that means it’s time to celebrate with decadent pies, cakes, and baked goods. These New York and New Jersey bakeries offer traditional and non-traditional options that will be sure to please. From mile-high apple pies to chocolate babka, there’s something here to make Grandma proud.
Photography by Thomas Robert Clarke
For this year’s Holiday Chef Series, Urban Agenda Magazine wanted to spotlight the Executive Chefs from some of New Jersey’s best-known country clubs and golf clubs. Synonymous with fine dining and a rich heritage of championship golf, these chefs are used to cooking for weddings, special events, and momentous holiday occasions.
Each chef has provided a sample of the holiday menu offerings at a particular club. Thoughtfully prepared and perfected for the season, these menus are cause for celebration.
Cheers! more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Don’t know which wine to select for Thanksgiving dinner? Our local experts share their go-to pairings so there’s nothing to “wine” about come turkey day.
Friday, November 20
10AM-9PM Photos with Santa & Santa Paws at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ (now through December 24). www.westfield.com/gardenstateplaza
5-8PM Ladies Night at Bars of Beauty in Oradell, NJ. Discounted blowouts, facials, and complimentary champagne. www.barsofbeauty.com
7PM Walt Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ (through Sunday, November 22). www.prucenter.com
more
Most people wouldn’t expect a former educator to establish a distillery, but for Randy Pratt, there was a connection between the two worlds.
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
You could say that Randy Pratt was born with the will to learn. After many years vested in education as a teacher, administrator, and instructor on the collegiate level, he was well equipped to overcome the learning curve that came with opening up a distillery. Although he was a newbie to the distilling industry, Pratt was a veteran in the classroom. So, he signed up for several workshops and a distilling class at Michigan State University until he was ready to open up Great Notch Distillery in Bergen County.
“Every part of [launching Great Notch] has been a learning experience. Being a one-man show, you get to learn all aspects of the business and take the bumps and bruises that go with it…the paperwork itself is daunting. I have terrific friends and family who pitch in when I need help. It certainly has been a challenge. One that I’m up to conquering.” more