I’ve been celebrating Halloween with my kids for over a decade now, and as a result, I’ve got a few Halloween hacks for parents to share. 1. Go to the pumpkin patch early. Some might take this advice a step further and skip heading out to the over-crowded pumpkin-slash-apple-slash-pony-ride-slash-corn-maze extravaganza entirely, but not me. Those fall pumpkin photos with the kids are just too amazing to miss. But go early. Most farms are pretty empty the first few weekends in October, but not so much as ...

When researchers at Northwestern University reviewed 80 previous studies involving more than 25,000 people looking into the effects of the stress hormone cortisol on health, they found that when it remains consistently high throughout out the day, instead of fluctuating as it normally does, it is associated with inflammation/immune problems, obesity, fatigue, cancer, depression and other mental and physical health issues. Original journal article abstract: http://www.psyneuen-journal.com/article/S0306-4530(17)30265-2/fulltext Article ...

Atlantic Health System's Acne Treatment and Research Center is conducting a study of an investigational treatment for people with moderate-to-severe acne. To qualify for the study, people must: Be at least 9 years of age Have at least 20 red, irritated pimples, and at least 20 whiteheads or blackheads, and Have no more than two large, hard bumps on the face Qualified participants will receive all study medication and study-related visits at no cost, and may receive compensation for their time. Health ...

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the durability and flexibility of its electric transmission and distribution systems, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) plans to invest  $359 million during 2017 on infrastructure projects and other work to enhance reliability across its 13 county northern and central New Jersey service area.   Major projects scheduled for 2017 include finishing construction of a new 16- mile, 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Monmouth County, building a new 34.5 kV power line in ...

As a practicing professional organizer since 1994, I am often cornered by people I meet at parties, in the grocery store and throughout the community who want to share their organizing challenges and feelings of being overwhelmed with me. I always tell them that being organized is a skill set that can be learned. In this column, I’d like to share with you seven habits that organized people use to keep their homes organized; if you adopt these behaviors, your home can be organized, too!   1.  Organized People Develop a ...

MONTVILLE, NJ - Following are open houses by Century 21 The Crossing on Sunday, Aug. 13: 804 Route 202, Towaco from 1 - 4 p.m. 25 Hillcrest Road, Towaco from 1 - 4 p.m. 25 High Mountain Drive, Montville from 1 - 4 p.m.  

‘Jersey Voices’ scores with direct, intimate relationships and some fun, too By Liz Keill CHATHAM, NJ – “Jersey Voices,” Chatham Players’ annual series of one-act plays by New Jersey playwrights, gets off to a rollicking start with “Knock Out.” This play by G. David Post and directed by A. C. Kennedy, features three friends who meet at a local bar for drinks and camaraderie. They are Jen, (Mary Morlino), Brenda (Elissa Strell) and Connie (Julie Anne Nolan), as they talk about their love ...

A new bill soon will prohibit New Jersey-based companies with 15 or more employees from inquiring into the criminal backgrounds of job applicants until after the first interview.  The Opportunity to Compete Act became law this month but does not go into effect until March 1, 2015. This means you may not require an applicant to check “yes” or “no” to the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” on your employment application before concluding the first job interview.  Nor may you ...

My first and last visit to Nashville was about 15 or 16 years ago with my boyfriend (now husband), and I’ve been craving a return trip for a while, especially since I’m such a big fan of the Nashville TV show on ABC. Luckily, we were able to take the kids on a fun trip there recently, and we wound up flying into Nashville and turning our excursion into a mini-road trip with stops in Chattanooga and Atlanta. After landing at BNA and picking up our rental car (through Costco - always the best deal I can find), we took the 2-hour ...

Holidays can be a tough time to keep on track. With a whirlwind of celebrations, every event may seem like an excuse to splurge, but the consequence just might be that post party food hangover. So let’s look at a few tips on how to stay on track!! 1)     Focus on Fun - There are so many activities we can focus on during the holidays: Engage in the fun activities like decorating our homes, catching up with old friends and shopping for others. Practice being in the moment and focus on what the season is really ...

Many of you are sending your kids off to college soon, and maybe for the first time. I’ve been there, twice.  And now my daughter lives overseas!  Most of the time I’m okay with it… you get used to it, you know?  But sometimes when she sends me little notes, or we chat on Skype, I miss her again. She’s clever and loving and generous, and so very courageous — and you really can’t do hugs on Skype.  And then, when we actually visit, it hits hard.  It sounds strange, but I don’t ...