May 2023: How We Live

During the pandemic, many of us embraced the idea of home as haven. Demand for furniture and home furnishings skyrocketed as people turned their attention to rooms or outdoor areas that had been neglected or unused. And, in the case of the homes showcased in this issue, many New Jerseyans brought a combined sense of astounding creativity and practicality to their spaces.

While the pandemic appears to be retreating, our desire for the comforts of home is not. Many of those pandemic projects are still being used—and loved—now, and will be for years to come. You’ll find some terrific home retreats, including a backyard bar in Nutley that became a neighborhood gathering spot, a “she-shed” and fairy-garden project that an Island Heights woman says “saved” her during the pandemic, and a basement that became one Chatham family’s favorite spot in the house. Also: See how one local woman transformed a school bus into a home for her family; read about the trend of tiny houses sweeping New Jersey; and find out how your home could be in a film or TV show. 

View more back issues

GARDEN VARIETY

Divinity Roxx Debuting ‘Vulnerable’ One-Woman Musical in NJ

The Grammy-nominated artist—and Beyoncé’s former band member—wrote the script and songs for Starchild: The Ballad of Debbie Walker.

Read more

Toni Morrison Exhibit at Princeton Honors a Lifetime of Work, Down to Her Post-Its

From sticky notes to typed manuscripts, the materials—many on public view for the first time—reconstruct Morrison’s evolution and creative process.

Read more

Why This Small-Town Mayor Thinks He Should Be NJ’s Next Senator

Roselle Park Mayor Joe Signorello on his decision to run against powerful Senator Bob Menendez in the 2024 Democratic primary.

Read more

10 Pairs of Shoes, 143 Days: NJ Man Walked Across the U.S. to Fundraise for Veterans

Randolph native Tommy Pasquale traveled coast to coast on foot and raised more than $120,000 for the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

Read more

NJ Artist Hopes His Mural at Newark Airport Makes Everyone Feel Welcome

Though his mural in the new Terminal A is complete, Layqa Nuna Yawar feels a piece of public art is not truly finished until the public assigns meaning to it.

Read more

Point Pleasant Veteran’s D-Day Efforts Lauded as Crucial to U.S. Military History in New Book

In Len Lomell: D-Day Hero, author Steven Gillon explains how Leonard Lomell’s battlefield exploits made him a war hero.

Read more

Mansion in May 2023: Get Tickets Now to Tour This Stunning Showhouse

This event at Three Fields estate will benefit Morristown Medical Center.

Read more

Mother’s Day Gifts Sure to Make Her Smile

Fresh picks ranging from local chocolate to jewelry to self-care staples.

Read more

NJ’s Housing-Affordability Problem Needs Urgent Attention From Nonprofits, Lawmakers

Housing costs in the Garden State continue to rise. So does the general cost of living.

Read more

FEATURES

‘Kimberly Akimbo’ on Broadway: Laughs, Tears and Plenty of NJ References (Not Punchlines!)

The Garden State—Bergen County in particular—has a starring role in the heartwarming musical.

Read more

‘Ghosts’ Star Asher Grodman Grew Up on a Haunted NJ Farm

The Califon native talks Garden State haunts and how he found his voice in his first comedic role.

Read more

The Pandemic Fueled These Incredible Home Renovation Projects

Check out these amazing home projects that were born out of a desire for comfort during the pandemic.

Read more

How to Create Pockets of Sanctuary at Home

An interior designer shares tips for carving out oases in various spaces.

Read more

Village of Tiny Homes Gives Free Housing to Formerly Incarcerated Men in NJ

Bridgeton’s new transitional housing program aims to help parolees find employment and readjust to life outside of prison.

Read more

Are Tiny Houses a Solution to the Housing Crisis in NJ?

The accessory-dwelling-unit boom could mean more affordable housing for New Jersey residents.

Read more

Montclair Family Makes Their Home on a Repurposed $20K School Bus

Raven Tyler, her daughter and their two pets turn heads living and driving in their white home on wheels.

Read more

What Happened When a Meryl Streep Movie Took Over One NJ Couple’s Home For 6 Months

Their historic abode served as the setting for the 1998 movie One True Thing.

Read more

How Scores of New Jerseyans Get Their Homes in Movies and TV Shows

Companies scout NJ homes for use in movies, TV series and commercials, then serve as go-betweens for the production teams and homeowners.

Read more

Designer Kate Rumson on the Forgotten Appeal of the Formal Dining Room

The Instagram star is giving the tossed-aside space a seat at her table.

Read more

Don’t Be Afraid to Embrace Color in Your Home

An expert talks honing your tastes, color blocking and more.

Read more

Excellence in Nursing 2023: Meet 4 Exceptional Health Champions

We salute a group of New Jerseyans who provide us comfort like no other.

Read more

Excellence in Nursing 2023: DAISY Foundation Award Honorees

Honoring 302 medical professionals from New Jersey with diverse practice specialties at more than 70 participating hospitals and facilities.

Read more

As More New Jerseyans Turn to Surrogacy, Families Share Their Stories

Hopeful parents are increasingly choosing surrogacy in the Garden State—and more women are deciding to become gestational carriers.

Read more

HOME & GARDEN

Jersey City’s Van Vorst Park Has Transformed Into an Urban Oasis

The 172-year-old park is a blossoming, community-centric destination—and America’s newest arboretum.

Read more

EAT & DRINK

Madame in Jersey City: Cozy French Brasserie With a ‘Naughty, Night-Owl’ Feel

Putting a modern spin on its beloved predecessor, the Hudson County hotspot draws on downtown NYC’s late-night dining scene of decades past.

Read more

Princeton Restaurant Provides Meaningful Work for Young Adults With Disabilities

The owners founded Blue Bears Special Meals out of concern for the futures of their children and others similarly challenged.

Read more

Is Hard Seltzer Falling on Hard Times? 

National figures for last year’s sales show a first-ever decline. But some Jersey brewers say local demand hasn’t waned.

Read more

This Newark Spot Serves Coal-Fired Pizza With the Perfect Amount of Char

Mercato Tomato Pie in Newark features brick-oven pizza, salads, pastas and other Italian classics, plus a full bar.

Read more

The Basking Ridge Café That’s Good Enough for Paul McCartney

Blue Café is a bustling brunch spot with tasty food and a lively vibe. 

Read more

Pie Lady Café: A Delicious Stop on Moorestown’s Main Street

The cozy-chic eatery, inside a Victorian house, offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods—including, of course, plenty of pie.

Read more

EXIT RAMP

Love Thy Neighborhood: Saying Goodbye to Our Family’s Beloved Glen Ridge Home

Packing up after 26 years is no picnic—but leaving behind so many fond memories and close-knit neighbors is by far the hardest part.

Read more